25 shocking facts about teeth you probably didn’t know

1. Most of us believe that bones are the hardest substance in the human body, but actually, its our tooth enamel!
Teeth are made of three layers: enamel, dentine and nerves. The outer layer is the enamel and enamel is mainly made of minerals.

In fact, almost 96 % of the enamel is minerals and yes, its harder than bone but don’t test it on bottle caps- it can be damaged by metal or glass.

2. Over 300 different species of bacteria are found in plaque.These are average numbers. You may have more, remember to brush, floss and use mouthwash to kill them!

3. On average, a person spends only about 48 seconds per day brushing their teeth.
Yes, it may feel that you are spending like an hour every time that you brush. But recent research has shown that the time you spend brushing your teeth is only 48 seconds. Dentists recommend to spend at least 2 minutes to achieve clean mouth.

4. Airborne particles from toilet flushing can actually make their way to your toothbrush bristles!

5. A West Virginia prison inmate in 1994 braided dental floss into a rope to climb up a wall- and successfully escaped!
A Floss is made of nylon filament and can withstand a huge load of forces. In fact, a floss may be found handy in other uses. For example, floss can be used as a fishing line. Or maybe not.

6. Contrary to belief, do not place a cap on your toothbrush.
It is actually causing bacteria to accumulate and fester within the moist environment. This could lead to potential problems for your teeth. In fact, if you are using a mouthwash, it may be a good practice to rinse the bristles of the toothbrush with the mouthwash every now and then

7. Did you know that 59% of people would rather have a dental appointment instead of sitting next to a person that’s talking on a cell phone?
Sitting next to a person that’s talking on a phone could be so annoying especially if the person is in public since they tend to be louder. Many people prefer the dental visit over this inconvenience.

8. Three out of every four Americans have some form of periodontal gum disease
This means that 75% of the population in the US has some form of gum irritation, bleeding or deposit buildup. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for people older than 35. But the good news is that  gum disease can be prevented and can be controlled.

9. The first official toothbrush commercial was made in 1938
Are you wondering what people used to buy before 1938?

The first toothpaste was introduced in 1908, which is 30 years earlier than the tooth brush. Another shocking factor, it took them 17 years to develop the first toothpaste.

10. In 1948 in China, the first toothbrush with bristles was made by using hair from  horses, hogs, and badgers.

Following the WWII, more people were inclined to commercial products. Therefore, toothbrushes were widely promoted.

11. Did you know snail’s mouth is no larger than a pinhead- but it has more than 25,000 teeth.
Don’t be fooled by the snail’s size, snails have thousands on tiny teeth.

12. In early America, blacksmiths who made horseshoes and other metal objects often served as dentists!
No wonder why people hate dental appointments. In fact, 80% of patients would rather do something else than going to the dentist.

13. Mummies in Egypt have been found with fillings made of resin and malachite. Gold wire was used to bind any loose teeth together.
Some even say that Egyptians were the first people to work one teeth. Many examples are being pass on today.

14. Romans placed caps on teeth.
The Romans used impressive dental technology for their time. They fixed cavity-ridden teeth with gold crowns. They also made bridges to fix gaps from missing teeth. They even had a form of toothpaste- a mix of honey and crushed eggshells.

15. In Medieval Germany, the only believed way to cure a toothache was to kiss a donkey!
Visiting the dentist now days would be more feasible. At least, there is one on every corner.

16. 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
In fact, only 4 in 10 Americans floss routinely, and 20 percent never do. In other studies, only 12% of people admit flossing.

17. The average woman smiles about 62 times per day, but the average man smiles only 8 times per day!
We use many muscles to smile everyday. As you will see below, you use less muscles to smile and more muscles to frown. This is our scientific explanation about the muscle mechanism of work. We will not be providing a scientific explanation about why women smile more than men.

18. 50% of people say that someone’s smile is the first physical trait they notice!
In fact, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry study found that 57% of people say that a smile from a stranger makes them want to smile and can improve their day

19. The most choked on object is a toothpick. 
All dentist would say that the most damaging object to the the gums in between the teeth is the toothpick again. Therefore, Stop toothpicking and start flossing.

20. The farmer in Grant Wood’s famous painting he called “American Gothic” was actually his dentist!
No wonder why that famous painting would suit the reception wall of our dental office.

21. Sports-related injuries are the cause for around 5 million missing teeth every year! 
And here comes the mouthguard. Wear a mouthguard to protect your champers!

22. Americans spend a hundred billion dollars a year on hair care products but only $2 billion a year on dental care products. Dental health is far more important to your overall health!
This sad fact would apply to other areas in life as well. More public awareness has to be made. More education has to be deployed. George Washington’s famous dentures actually weren’t made of wood. He had four pairs of dentures, and they were made of gold, ivory, lead, and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippo’s teeth!
Dentures are great invention. Many dentists would state the number one reason to lose a denture would be the dog who ate it.

23. Cotton candy-making machines were co-invented by a dentist! And cotton candy used to be called “fairy floss.” There you go, now you should start loving your dentist again.

24. Wait, How much Bacteria?!

The human mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria, both helpful and harmful. Beneficial bacteria, like Streptococcus salivarius, aid in breaking down food, neutralizing acids, and preventing harmful bacteria from thriving.

Conversely, harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans feed on sugar, producing acids that erode enamel and cause cavities. Maintaining a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria is essential.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help support oral health and prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

25. Guess what is your strongest muscle? No it’s not your quadriceps. The masseter, a large muscle linking the jawbone to the cheekbone, powers chewing and grinding.

We hope you liked the 25 shocking facts about teeth. Stay tuned for more cool article about teeth and oral health.

Take charge of your health today—schedule your dental checkup and experience the confidence of a radiant smile with Bronte Road Family Dental!”