Your teeth are among the most remarkable structures in your body — stronger than bone, home to billions of bacteria, and essential for eating, speaking, and smiling. But how much do you actually know about them? At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we believe that understanding your teeth is the first step towards keeping them healthy for life.
Test your dental knowledge with our 10-question quiz below, then scroll down to check your answers and learn some surprising facts along the way.
Try to answer each question before looking at the answers section. Write down your responses or keep a mental tally.
1. How many bacteria live in your mouth and on your teeth?
2. What is the outer surface of a tooth called?
3. In what year were the first dental fillings created?
4. What are the four types of teeth in your mouth?
5. How many more teeth does an adult have compared to a child?
6. What percentage of adults develop at least one wisdom tooth?
7. How long should you brush your teeth for each session?
8. How much of each tooth is actually visible above the gumline?
9. At what stage do babies begin developing their first teeth?
10. Which organisation developed the wire alloy used in modern braces?
Your mouth is home to more than 6 billion bacteria at any given time. This is not necessarily a cause for concern — many of these bacteria are essential for maintaining a healthy oral environment. The problems begin when harmful bacteria are allowed to multiply due to poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque build-up, [gum disease]learn more, and tooth decay.
The outer layer of your teeth is called enamel, and it is the hardest substance in the entire human body — even harder than bone. Enamel protects the sensitive inner layers of your teeth from decay and damage. However, enamel does not regenerate once it is lost, which is why protecting it through regular brushing with [fluoride toothpaste]learn more is so important.
The first dental fillings were created in 1816 by French dentist Auguste Taveau. They were made from silver coins mixed with mercury — a combination that is not used today. Modern fillings use materials such as composite resin, porcelain, and glass ionomer, which are far safer and more aesthetically pleasing.
Each type of tooth has a specific function:
| Tooth Type | Number (Adults) | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 8 | Cutting and biting food |
| Canines | 4 | Tearing and gripping food |
| Premolars | 8 | Crushing and grinding |
| Molars | 12 (including wisdom teeth) | Heavy grinding and chewing |
Adults have 32 teeth compared to children’s 20 primary (baby) teeth. The additional 12 include 8 premolars and 4 wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last to emerge and some adults never develop them at all.
Studies have shown that only about 53% of adults develop at least one wisdom tooth. This means nearly half the population never gets a full set of third molars. For those who do, [wisdom teeth removal]learn more may be necessary if they become impacted.
The recommended brushing time is two minutes per session, twice daily. Research consistently shows that brushing for less than two minutes results in significantly more plaque being left behind. Using a toothbrush with a built-in timer can help you stay consistent.
Like an iceberg, only about one third of each tooth is visible above the gumline. The remaining two thirds — the root — is embedded in the jawbone. This is why conditions affecting the root or supporting bone, such as periodontitis, can be serious even when the visible part of the tooth looks healthy.
Babies begin developing their tooth buds at just 5 weeks of gestation, long before birth. The first teeth typically become visible at around 6 months of age, though the timing varies. A child’s full set of 20 primary teeth usually appears by age 3.
The nickel-titanium alloy used in modern orthodontic wires was originally developed by NASA for their space programme. The material’s unique properties — heat resistance, flexibility, and shape memory — made it ideal for [orthodontic braces]learn more as well as spacecraft.
| Score | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Room for improvement — time to brush up on your dental facts |
| 4-6 | Not bad — a solid foundation of tooth knowledge |
| 7-8 | Impressive — you clearly take your dental health seriously |
| 9-10 | Outstanding — your dental knowledge is as strong as your enamel |
Understanding how your teeth work and what damages them helps you make better daily choices. Patients who understand the role of fluoride, the importance of flossing, and the early signs of gum disease tend to maintain healthier teeth throughout their lives.
Most adults should visit the dentist every six months for a routine examination and hygiene appointment. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific risk factors such as gum disease or a history of cavities.
No. Many people’s wisdom teeth emerge without any issues. They only require attention if they become impacted, cause pain, lead to crowding, or increase the risk of infection.
Quizzes are fun, but nothing replaces a professional dental examination. If it has been more than six months since your last check-up, book an appointment with the team at Pure Smiles.
[Book your check-up today]learn more and let us help keep your smile in top form.
