No matter how old or young you are, you are in the minority if you enjoy going to the dentist. Even though dental visits aren’t what we might look forward to, our mouths, tongues and teeth aren’t as boring as you might think.
These fascinating dental facts for kids and adults of all ages can bring some lighthearted fun as you contemplate your next visit to the dentist.
Bacteria Live On Your Teeth
It might sound like a fantasy story, but tiny bacteria – up to 300 different kinds – live on the surfaces of teeth. They live on sugar from food you eat, and turn that sugar into plaque, tartar, and eventually cavities. Bacteria love starchy and sugary foods, so the best way to keep them from throwing parties in your mouth is to maintain a healthy diet and brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after eating sugary foods.
Are Tongue Prints as Unique as Fingerprints?
It’s true! Just like no two people have the same sets of fingerprints, everyone has a unique tongue print and set of teeth as evidenced through dental xrays. Fortunately, we don’t collect tongue prints to identify people – fingerprints are a lot less messy!
Teeth as Rough as Sandpaper
Run your tongue over your teeth. If the surfaces are clean and sparkling, then your teeth should feel smooth. However, if your tongue feel rough and sandpapery, it’s past time to brush! The roughness is the buildup of plaque on the surfaces of your teeth, which leads to the development of gum disease and cavities.
Only a Month to Brush
It might sound like a lot to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but in reality it’s not a lot. Over the course of a lifetime, we only spend about 40 days in the act of brushing our teeth. Not a long time when you consider how important teeth are to our good health!
Pizza Not Palatable
Burning your tongue is unfortunately very easy and painful, but burning the top of your mouth seems somehow worse. This condition often happens when eating something deliciously gooey without taking into account how hot it might be – sounds like pizza, doesn’t it?
This actual condition has been given a name, and it is called “Pizza Palate.” The next time you burn the top of your mouth on a slice of pizza, now you can claim an actual medical condition!
Kelly Wilson is a health and fitness writer for medical professionals including Smiles Dental, and a dentist for WeLoveSmiles.com.
