Your teeth are pretty amazing, and we bet you never knew these fun facts about them! Teeth have been around for a long time, with the oldest known molars dating back 2.2 million years ago! Read on for some more fun facts about our chompers!
1. Kids Braces
It may be possible to get kids braces around the age of seven. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, adult teeth start coming in by this time. This is why many parents should get their children’s teeth checked as early as possible! Even if it’s too early for kids’ braces, the orthodontist can see if those adult teeth are sprouting in with alignment issues. However, most kids will get braces between the age of 10 to 14.
2. Human Teeth
Humans are different from other animals in terms of teeth. We have two sets of teeth in our mouths. The first set, called deciduous teeth, are the primary or baby teeth that develop in childhood. When these teeth fall out, our adult or permanent teeth start to come in. Depending on how well you’ve taken care of your teeth, the adult set can last your whole life!
3. Ancient Wisdom
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, Hippocrates wrote about the irregularities of teeth in 400 BCE. This fact means that misaligned teeth have been an issue for a long time. People have tried many different techniques over the centuries to straighten out their teeth, from crude contraptions of woven silk to wooden wires. Today, both adult and kids braces come in various shapes and styles to suit individual needs.
4. Colorful Teeth
Did you know that teeth can turn different colors? The enamel can have various shades of white, grey, yellow, and even blue! These colors may result from superficial reasons like coffee stains or serious underlying issues like tooth death.
5. Toothpaste
Toothpaste has existed for centuries, with the first known versions appearing in ancient Rome. The earliest toothpaste consisted of crushed eggshells, ashes, and even pumice! Modern toothpaste contains various active ingredients to help with oral health, from fluoride to baking soda to triclosan.
Our teeth are pretty amazing. To ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong, brush twice daily and keep an eye out for dental health issues. Whether you’re an adult or a child, it’s never too late to have straighter, healthier teeth. Contact David Ross Orthodontics today for your orthodontic needs!
