Teeth. We see and use them every single day — yet, so often we take them for granted. Sure we take care of them by brushing and flossing (hopefully at least once a day). But have you ever stopped and really thought about how great our teeth really are?
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the 32 teeth that live in our mouth. Here are 5 reasons why you should be thankful for healthy teeth.
1: They work extremely hard. With at least three meals a day, an average chewing rate of about 10 times per mouthful of food, means approximately 10,000 bites per meal. With a minimum of three meals per day, that equates to 30,000 chews per day! It is not easy being a tooth.
2: They reduce our health risks. Teeth, if kept healthy, help to prevent risk for serious conditions or disease such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and even infertility.
3: They are not demanding. The average person spends 38 days brushing their teeth during their lifetime. That’s just one short month of loving care during one’s typical 71-year human life span.
4: They are unique. Every person has a distinct, unique set of teeth, fingerprints and even tongue print. In fact, identical twins, which one would think would have the same set of teeth, do not.
5: They brighten our day. Children smile 400 times a day, but adults only smile 20 times a day. According to several studies, smiling can reduce stress on the body and mind, improve one’s mood and may boost productivity.
Overall, the best way show gratitude for teeth is by visiting THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® regularly and maintaining healthy oral habits. 90% of dental decay is caused by oral bacteria, which can be controlled by good oral hygiene at home and consistent professional dental care.