Going to the dentist may be a relatively modern phenomenon, but did you know that people have been using toothpaste since about 500 B.C.?
Back then, the ancient Greeks would use a mixture that contained iron rust and coral powder to clean their teeth. Toothbrushes, meanwhile, were bunches of tree twigs that people would chew on. Luckily, dental care has advanced slightly since then, and we’ve now got many different tools at our disposal to help us take care of our teeth.
You use your mouth every day, but have you ever wondered what’s really going on in there? You actually have a pretty fascinating ecosystem at work between your jaws. This list is full of things you didn’t know about your mouth.
After you read these mouth facts, take a little time to be thankful for your mouth and everything in it, from your tongue to your uvula, and even your saliva. After all, your mouth is essential in order for you to do all the things you love, like eating, talking, singing, and kissing. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth, so remember visit your dentist in Tijuana too.
1. Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria
Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of 200 to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth.
2. Plaque is the enemy
White and sticky, it’s constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.
3. Your teeth are uniquely yours
Your teeth are like your fingerprint: They are uniquely yours. This is why dental records are sometimes used to identify human remains. Even identical twins do not have identical teeth. Bonus fact: Your tongue also has a unique “tongue print.”
4. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body
The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. The enamel is mostly made of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, but is stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it.
5. Yellow means decay
That’s not just a coffee stain. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow. Decaying enamel could also be to blame for any pain you feel.
6. Men’s Tongues Are Longer Than Women’s
Miley Cyrus’s tongue may be an exception to this trend, but in general, men have longer tongues than women. The world record for the longest tongue is 3.97 inches, while the world record for the longest female tongue is only 2.76 inches.
7. The Uvula’s Main Function is in Speech
The purpose of the uvula has been debated, but most scientists agree that it’s there to help with speech, which makes sense, because it’s a body part which is completely unique to humans. The uvula can secrete massive amounts of saliva quickly. This provides the necessary lubrication to make complicated sounds that compose human speech.
8. Women’s Tongues Have More Tastebuds Than Men’s
Researchers at Yale found that about 35% of women but only 15% of men are “super tasters,” meaning they are more sensitive to flavors such as bitter, sweet, and sour. It is also worth noting that women of childbearing age have a more acute sense of taste than women who are younger or older.
9. Saliva Is Necessary for Tasting
You need saliva in order to taste because your saliva is what breaks down your food into the compounds which your taste bud receptors can detect. Without saliva, your food would have no taste.
10. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
When you smile, your stress hormone levels drop. This leads to an increase in the number of immune cells your body has available to fight infections like colds or the flu. Smiling really does keep you healthy.
11. They have a number of hidden adversaries
Here’s a reason to brush after every meal: Coffee, wine, sugar, sour candies (which are super high in acidity), fruit juices, potato starch, sodas—basically everything we love to eat and drink—can stain, soften and otherwise undermine healthy teeth.
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