Teeth are a remarkable part of the human body, serving essential functions beyond just enabling us to chew our food. From the unique way they develop to the fascinating variations among different species, teeth are packed with interesting facts that highlight their importance in our lives and the natural world. Whether you’re curious about the science behind your smile or intrigued by the dental marvels found in nature, exploring these tidbits about teeth will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these tiny but mighty structures. Join us here at Torbram Dental as we dive into the Healthline article 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth, which contains captivating and lesser-known facts about teeth that are sure to surprise and enlighten you. (Source: Healthline, 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth, Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Anna Schaefer — Updated on June 7, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth).
Your Teeth Are Uniquely Yours
According to Healthline, each person’s teeth are as unique as their fingerprints. No two sets of teeth are the same, which makes them an essential part of our identity.
Torbram Dental comments, “Each person’s teeth are unique, serving as a natural identification method. This uniqueness highlights the importance of tailored dental care. Dental treatments should be customized to fit the individual oral health needs of each patient, ensuring optimal outcomes.”
They’re a Bit Like Icebergs
Much like icebergs, only about one-third of a tooth is visible above the gum line. The rest is hidden below, which underscores the importance of good gum health.
Torbram Dental shares, “The majority of a tooth’s structure lies below the gum line, making gum health crucial. Maintaining healthy gums through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings helps protect the unseen parts of the teeth and prevents periodontal disease.”
And You Have 32 of Them
Most adults have 32 teeth. This includes wisdom teeth, often emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Torbram Dental comments, “Each of the 32 teeth in the adult mouth plays a specific role in chewing, speech, and maintaining the structure of the jaw. It’s essential to monitor the development of wisdom teeth, as they can sometimes cause overcrowding or alignment issues.”
Your Enamel Is the Hardest Part of Your Body
Tooth enamel is incredibly strong, even harder than bone. It protects the sensitive and delicate inner layers of your teeth from damage.
Torbram Dental shares, “Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, it is still susceptible to erosion and decay. Routine bi-annual dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices, such as using fluoride toothpaste, are vital to preserving enamel strength.”
But It Isn’t Invincible
Despite its strength, enamel can be damaged by acids found in food and drinks, as well as by physical wear and tear.
Torbram Dental mentions, “Potential causes of enamel erosion can include acidic foods and drinks, grinding teeth, and poor oral hygiene. Preventive measures include limiting acidic food and beverage intake, wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, and maintaining good oral hygiene.”
Yellow Means Decay
A yellowing of the teeth often indicates enamel loss and the exposure of dentin, the underlying layer of the tooth, which can signal tooth decay.
Torbram Dental shares, “Yellowing (discoloration) teeth can be an early sign of enamel erosion and tooth decay. It’s essential to address discoloration early through professional cleanings and restorative treatments to prevent further damage and maintain oral health.”
Dentin Grows, Enamel Doesn’t
Unlike enamel, dentin can continue to grow and change throughout your life, although it doesn’t regenerate as quickly as some other tissues.
Torbram Dental says, “Dentin’s ability to grow helps the tooth respond to minor damage, but this process is slow and limited. Protecting enamel from wear and tear is crucial because once lost, it cannot be regenerated, whereas dentin can only partially compensate for its loss.”
Your Mouth Is Home to 300 Types of Bacteria
The human mouth hosts a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, some beneficial, while others can cause decay and disease.
Torbram Dental comments, “A balanced oral microbiome is essential for dental health. Good oral hygiene practices, including using an antimicrobial mouthwash, help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. You may want to speak with your health and dental professionals for diet recommendations to assist with this.”
Plaque Is the Enemy
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is known as the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular oral hygiene practices are crucial for removing plaque.
Torbram Dental expresses, “Plaque formation is a constant process, making daily removal through brushing and flossing essential. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar over time, leading to oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental visits are necessary to remove plaque and tartar buildup.”
You Make 10,000 Gallons of Spit
Saliva production is vital for oral health, as it helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and start the digestion process.
Torbram Dental shares, “Saliva serves as a natural defense mechanism for the mouth, neutralizing acids and aiding in digestion. Staying hydrated and stimulating saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum can help maintain oral health and prevent dry mouth.”
Understanding the fascinating facts about our teeth enhances our appreciation for oral health and underscores the importance of comprehensive dental care. Torbram Dental is committed to providing expert guidance and personalized care to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Torbram Dental concludes, “An informed approach to dental health can significantly improve oral care practices. By learning about the unique aspects of teeth and oral hygiene, individuals can make better decisions to protect their dental health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
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Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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