10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Your smile has more secrets than you thought.
Woman Biting Her Lip
Getty Images

1. Your grin got an early start.

"Before you were even born, all of your adult teeth were forming," says Dr. Joseph Banker of Creative Dental Care. And what your mom ate and drank during their pregnancy can affect those tooth buds long before they became your permanent pearly whites.

2. They have armored protection.

"Enamel is your body's strongest tissue," says to Dr. Timothy Chase of SmilesNY. Tooth enamel, which has the highest percentage of minerals at 96%, is even tougher than our bones.

3. But nail biting can still chip your chompers.

It's really time to break your worst habit. Fingernails aren't stronger than our incisors — it's actually teeth hitting each other that is the problem. "It's like two rocks rubbing against each other," says Dr. Chase, who also warns of grinding.

4. A smile can give you an emotional boost.

They don't just look good in pictures. "A smile actually causes a release in endorphins," says Dr. Banker. You know, those feel-good hormones that you get looking at babies or dogs? Well, that's just another reason to say cheese.

5. Sugar (and acid!) are the enemy.

Soda, plus other acidic and sugary beverages like coffee, fruit juices, and even some sports drinks cause erosion and decay. "Don't sip that stuff all day long," warns Dr. Banker. "You never get the pH in your mouth to rebound." If you're going to enjoy your Diet Coke, have it in one go and then cleanse your mouth with a glass of water.

6. Whiter teeth aren't the be-all, end-all.

As much as we are obsessed with whitening products, at the end of the day the difference between natural color and bleached white isn't that noticeable. It's the balance and symmetry of our teeth that are key to an attractive smile, says Dr. Banker, who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

7. Teeth grow in three stages.

First, they form under the gum and then develop the crown. And then finally, the root develops, which anchors your teeth to your jaw.

8. Your genes can impact your grin.

You have Dad's eyes, but you may have also inherited his gapped teeth. Dentists like Dr. Banker see lots of children with similar dental abnormalities to their parents — his own daughter is missing the same two teeth as his wife.

9. Wisdom teeth are losing out on space.

"As we evolve, our jaw length is getting shorter," says Dr. Chase, which means there's less room for those extra teeth. Most people need to get them removed, but some [lucky!] kids are born without them.

10. Your teeth work really hard.

The front six on top and bottom bite, tear, and guide your chewing, while the group in the back (they're angled differently with specific root structures) help break down the food. That's why people with missing molars wear down their other teeth much more quickly — yet another reason to brush diligently!

Related Stories:
7 Ways You're Ruining Your Teeth
9 Mistakes You Make Brushing Your Teeth
7 Reasons Why You Have Bad Breath

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Health