Teeth: we all have them but how often do we really think about them other than when we brush or go to the dentist? Take a look at some interesting facts and statistics about dentistry and teeth that you may not have known.

• Your teeth are as unique as fingerprints. You’ve probably heard about using dental records to identify a person, but did you know that even identical twins have their own unique “dental fingerprints”?
• Ever notice that the toothbrush colors in the store are mostly shades of blue and green? Studies have shown that blue toothbrushes are sold more often than red ones.
• Flossing once a day can increase your life expectancy by 6 years.
• Sugar begins attacking the tooth, but the real cause for cavities are acid and bacteria.
• Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Still, we don’t recommend you use your teeth as a tool to open things!
• Did you know that periodontal gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over the age of 35? Three out of 4 Americans suffer from some form of periodontal gum disease.
• Seventy-three percent of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss. Yet flossing is one of the most beneficial practices you can do to maintain your teeth health.
• Kids get cavities between teeth while adults usually get cavities on the biting surface of teeth.
• Placing a cap on your toothbrush is actually more harmful because bacteria favors moist environments. Uncap your toothbrush to limit the possibility of bacteria growth.
• The average person spends about 45-50 seconds brushing their teeth. Dentists recommend brushing for 2-3 minutes. When brushing your teeth, listen to your favorite song to make sure you brush long enough.

After reading some of these facts are you reconsidering your daily routine? Based on these facts and statistics the most important practices for healthy teeth are making sure you are brushing your teeth long enough and flossing every day.