Dental Facts: Toothy But Honest Fun

When it comes to dental health, it is better to tell the whole tooth (we mean truth) and nothing but the tooth (um…truth). While truthful, some dental facts are fun tidbits to know and share with friends. You don’t have to be a family dentist to enjoy them.

First, let’s talk dental facts about teeth:

• 25% of adults do not brush their teeth twice a day. Not properly brushing your teeth causes the tooth decay risk by 33%.
• In a lifetime, the average American will spend 38.5 total days brushing their teeth. That is over a month of your life!
• Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance found in your body.
• Tooth prints are like fingerprints and are unique to each person. (Great for crime-fighting!)
• Contrary to popular belief, George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth. His dentures were made from gold, hippopotamus tusk, elephant ivory, and human teeth.
• One of Sir Isaac Newton’s teeth sold for $35,700.
• Elephants grow 6 sets of teeth in their life. Each set of teeth lasts about 10 years. Their teeth can be a foot across and weigh six pounds.
• Humans have only two sets of teeth in their entire lifetime—baby teeth and permanent teeth. Once you have your permanent teeth, make sure you take good care of them.
• In 1900 the tooth fairy left an average of twelve cents. In 1998, the tooth fairy left an average of $1. Now, the average is $5. Today’s kids are really making great money from this famous fairy!

Now rinse and spit and get ready for another kind of dental fact—about your mouth:

• A person will produce 100, 000 gallons of saliva in their lifetime. That is over 20 semi-trucks of saliva and 1.06 million red solo cups.
• 90% of bad breath comes from the mouth and can be a sign of poor dental hygiene.
• There are over 700 different types of bacteria in your mouth.
• Those who drink three or more cups of soda are 62% more likely to have tooth decay. That is another good reason to drink water!
• Right-handed people chew on the right side of their mouth, left-handed people chew on the left side of their mouth.
• Like your tooth prints, your tongue is also unique. Everyone has their own tongue print. (Is that the next security trend, do you think?)

One of the most important dental facts: A smile makes the best first impression and lightens someone’s mood and the atmosphere in a room. 61% of adults are attracted to someone’s smile. With this smile, comes the important addition of toothpaste. Toothpaste is often on everybody’s shopping list. Americans on average buy more than 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year.Ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder or iron rust as toothpaste.

What about dentists?

Here are some interesting facts about our favorite enamel experts, our dentists. The earliest known dentist is Hesi-Re. He lived in Egypt more than 5,000 years ago. In 1866, Lucy Beaman Hobbs was the first licensed female dentist. In 1905, Irene Newman became the first dental hygienist.

We hope some of these “toothful” facts put a smile on your face. Perhaps even add some levity to your conversations today! Contact us at Danville Family Dentistry at 317-745-4400 to make an appointment for a check-up and cleaning, or for any dental health need.

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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.