They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Do you know what else tells quite the story? Your teeth! Though most of us think of them as bones that help you smile, speak and chew your food, they are capable of some pretty remarkable things. Our Milwaukee dentists want to help keep your family’s smiles healthy for years to come. Take a look at these fun facts!
Each tooth is unique
Like snowflakes, no two teeth are alike. From your 20 baby teeth to your 32 permanent ones you get as an adult, each tooth has it’s own unique profile, shape and size. Even more, teeth vary widely from person to person. Just like your fingerprint, your smile is an element of your identity!
Your teeth tell a story
Examining teeth allows scientists to learn a lot about a person. What we eat, what we drink, how old we are – these are all things our teeth can reveal. Plus, they can even reveal information about where we live! Our teeth can also provide doctors with valuable information about our health, like illness or periods of stress. To put it simply, our teeth are like a diary of our lives!
Dental care is a centuries-old practice
Though they weren’t using electric toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste, dental care practices date back as far as 5000 B.C.! It’s said the Egyptians mixed crushed eggshells with ground animal hooves to clean and polish their teeth. A British inventor from the 1700s created a design which inspired current brushes, using a bone handle and boar bristles. The modern toothbrush with nylon brushes was invented in the late 1930s, and the electric toothbrush arrived in 1954.
Your teeth have a plan…from birth!
When a baby is born, the crowns of their 20 baby teeth are already waiting below the surface of the gums. Between 3-6 months old, the teeth begin to break though. As a child grows, before losing their baby teeth, the crowns of their adult teeth are forming and waiting for the time to push through.
Pretty cool, huh? Now you know why it’s so important to take such great care of your teeth. Our Milwaukee dentists and hygienists are here for you when you need it most. Whether to answer a question or in an emergency, you can count on Lakeshore Family Dentistry. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment in Glendale or Greendale!