Fun Facts About Teeth

Fun & Random Questions People Ask About Teeth

At St. Croix Family Dentistry, we take teeth very seriously. We also really enjoy our work and like to have a little fun. “We encourage our patients to be curious about their oral health and are happy to answer any questions,” offers Dr. Karly Canney.

 

Here are some fun and random questions you’ve asked us about teeth!

 

Can teeth grow back?

No. When a tooth is damaged due to an accident or decay, it cannot grow back. The same is true for tooth enamel. While tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, it is not living tissue and therefore cannot regenerate. Tooth enamel can be remineralized—or strengthened—with the use of fluoride.

How many teeth do humans have?

The first set of teeth (baby teeth) consists of 20 teeth.

The second set of teeth (permanent teeth) consists of 32 teeth.

How many teeth do dogs have?

42

Are teeth bones?

Teeth and bones are both strong and white and both store calcium, but teeth are not bones. Bones are made mostly of collagen, a type of protein, and are made of living tissue. Old bone tissue is continually replaced with new tissue, keeping them strong. Teeth are composed of multiple layers: enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Enamel is harder than bone but doesn’t contain living tissue and, therefore, cannot regenerate like bone does.

 

Are teeth organs?

Teeth are ectodermal organs. Other ectodermal organs include hair, skin, sweat glands, and salivary glands.

How rare is a double tooth?

Double teeth, or tooth gemination, is extremely rare. It occurs in about 0.5% of baby teeth and 0.1% of permanent teeth. A double tooth is one that has two joint crowns with a single root. The exact cause of double teeth is unknown. They happen more frequently in front and canine teeth.

What is YOUR burning tooth question?

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We proudly Serve the Entire St. croix Valley!

We serve the entire St. Croix Valley, including St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, Osceola, Turtle Lake & Grantsburg areas. Our full service dental clinic can still ensure you have the best dental hygiene possible. New patients are always welcome, so come visit us today to discuss your options. You’ll see for yourself why patient satisfaction is so high. Our friendly staff are more than happy to help!

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