Can Boise Dentists Tell if You Have a Hypoactive Thyroid?

Ever wondered why dental records are used to identify a person? Or if teeth are as strong as diamonds? We’ve collected a list of dental myths to set the record straight.

1. Ninety percent of systemic diseases have oral manifestations.

True. This includes diabetes and thyroid problems. So yes, a dentist may be able to tell if you have an underlying health problem just by looking in your mouth.

2. If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, put it in milk.

True. A permanent tooth can only live so long before being returned to your mouth, but putting it in milk can make it live longer. As mentioned in another dental article, be sure not to touch the tooth’s root! And call us right away to schedule an emergency appointment.

3. If you lost or broken a crown, you can fix it with superglue.

False. This is a terrible idea for several reasons: mainly, the crown may have fallen out for a reason (like underlying tooth decay) and should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. Besides that, superglue isn’t made for your mouth. For a temporary fix before you reach the dentist, try dentist cement from the pharmacy.

4. Teeth are the hardest substance in the human body.

True. An article by a Waco dentist explains why: the unique protein found in teeth affects the mineral crystal formation of your teeth, making them much stronger than bone.

5. Teeth are harder than diamonds.

False. While researchers had discovered that tooth enamel is at least as strong as mild steel by the 1960’s, it is clear that a diamond is still stronger.

6. Every person has a unique tongue and tooth print.

True. That is why officials can rely on dental records to prove the identity of a person.

Do you know any more dental trivia? We’d love to hear it!