The dentist spoke about the role of teeth and their relationship to the state of the body.

Human teeth have unique characteristics and can signal the health status of the body. Vyacheslav Minko, chief physician of the Dr.Minko Dental Clinic, dentist, surgeon and orthopedist, told Izvestia on March 20 about little-known facts about teeth and their role in the human body.

According to the specialist, each tooth is unique.

"Despite the external similarity, not only different people cannot have the same teeth, but also one person. Each tooth has a unique set of characteristics, including shape, size, and color shade. You can draw an analogy with fingerprints — each one is absolutely individual and unique," Minko emphasized.

The dentist also noted that tooth enamel is considered the hardest tissue of the human body, even stronger than bones. It is the enamel that covers the tooth and protects it from external influences. However, even such a durable fabric can break down with insufficient care. The acids contained in food and beverages can weaken the enamel and provoke the development of caries.

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Minko recalled that human teeth have changed in the course of evolution. Ancient people had a larger and sharper dentition because they had to chew hard and coarse food. In modern humans, teeth have become less massive due to a change in diet.

"Your teeth can 'know' and communicate information about your health status. For example, gum inflammation and loose teeth may indicate the presence of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. And rapidly developing caries may indicate liver diseases," the doctor added.

The number of teeth also changes with age. An adult usually has 32 teeth, including the four wisdom teeth that erupt last. Children under 12 years of age usually have 20 baby teeth, which are gradually replaced by permanent ones.

The specialist also noted the psychological aspect. According to him, a person's smile and confidence in their teeth directly affect self-esteem. People with a beautiful smile establish contact with others more easily, arouse more trust and are more often perceived as more open and friendly, concluded Minko.

Olga Kharlamova, a dentist and founder of STOMTECH PRO, said on March 5 that the fear of dental procedures, known as dentophobia, can be caused by various factors, including negative childhood experiences and feelings of uncertainty during a visit to the doctor. In addition, many patients are afraid of the unknown - they do not understand what exactly the doctor will do, how the procedure will go and how unpleasant it will be.

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