Do You Have a Strong Smile?
A strong smile is a healthy smile. Our teeth are responsible for chewing food every day, and therefore they are built to be tough throughout our entire lives (and beyond!). But how tough are we really talking?
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, even more so than bone. Enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, is 96% mineral, making it incredibly durable and resistant to damage.
- Though you may not notice, biting down can exert a huge amount of pressure on your teeth, on average 200 pounds! Imagine how damaging this can be if you grind your teeth unconsciously every night! (Those of you who do– please get a night guard!)
- Any forensics fan will know that teeth can last for hundreds of years. Dental records are commonly used to identify who is left at crime scenes and can also teach us much about our own past. By using ancient teeth, we can trace back the migration paths of our ancestors and sneak a glimpse into their diets/early dental fixes.
- We have been talking extensively about how strong teeth are and how they can withstand the test of time. There is a caveat: once teeth are damaged, they cannot heal themselves like other tissues in the body. Instead, a skilled dentist will need to repair them through fillings, crowns, or veneers. We only get two sets of teeth, and baby teeth don’t last ling. Permanent teeth have the responsibility of lasting for the rest of our lives, so when a tooth falls out, the only option is to get a partial denture, full denture, or implants.
- Healthy teeth can fight decay, but we play a crucial role as well. With proper dental hygiene and regular exams, you can protect your teeth from over 300 types of bacteria that attach our teeth and cause decay.
Teeth are tough, but they need routine maintenance and care to keep them healthy!