My ordering - 10 interesting facts about our teeth

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Science
Year 4
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My ordering - 10 interesting facts about our teeth
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Focus Education
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Science Resource Description

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Our teeth are fascinating and integral to our daily lives, often without us even realising. Here are ten captivating facts about our pearly whites. The enamel that coats the top surface of our teeth is the hardest substance in our entire body, surpassing even our bones in toughness. But teeth aren't just last-minute additions; they begin forming even before we're born. Baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, start to develop in the womb and typically emerge when infants are between six to twelve months old.

We have a diverse set of teeth, each with its unique role in our eating process. There are four distinct types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, which work together to cut, tear, and grind our food. Once our permanent teeth replace baby teeth, it's crucial to care for them diligently, as we only get two sets in our lifetime. Each tooth is as individual as a fingerprint, adding to our uniqueness. Saliva, produced in our mouths, not only assists with digestion but also shields our teeth from bacteria. Over a lifetime, the average person will spend approximately 38.5 days brushing their teeth. Moreover, oral health is intricately connected to our overall health, with links to heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Interestingly, only two-thirds of a tooth is visible, with the rest concealed below the gum line. And in case of an emergency, such as a tooth being knocked out, you can preserve it by placing it in milk and keeping it in your mouth until you can get to a dentist, which should be as promptly as possible.