Fun Facts about Teeth:
Teeth are pretty amazing and we don’t give them enough credit. So here are a few fun facts about teeth you probably didn’t know.
⦁ Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, it is not indestructible! Be careful with acidic foods and drinks, (always rinse with water after), and please don’t use your teeth to open packages!
⦁ You know that soda is bad for you, but did you know that people who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have over 60% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss?
⦁ If you don’t floss, you are leaving out 40% of your tooth surfaces in your cleaning routine!
⦁ Generally, if you are right-handed, you will mostly chew your food on your right side. If you’re left handed, you will probably chew your food on your left side.
⦁ More people prefer blue toothpastes to red ones, (the coloring has no effect on how well the toothpaste works, but people tend to think of blue as “cleaner”).
⦁ The average person only brushes their teeth for about 45 to 70 seconds a day. However, the recommended amount of time is 120-180 seconds. So, set a timer, sing a song, watch a few commercials…if you need to, but brush longer for better result.
⦁ Did you know that the majority of Americans (a whopping 78%) have had at least 1 cavity by age 17? Get those kids brushing from an early age.
⦁ There are more than 300 different types of bacteria make up dental plaque, (ick!)
⦁ The first toothbrushes were made of tree twigs—and are still used in many parts of the world as the primary means to clean teeth. Gently chewing on the tips of the twigs spread out the fibers, which are then used to clean the teeth by rubbing against the surfaces.
⦁ Toothpastes have been made of many different ingredients over time. Ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder or iron rust as toothpaste. These all worked relatively effectively when used in a very fine grit, but can be very damaging when used improperly.
⦁ Despite many-a-told stories, George Washington never had wooden teeth. His dentures were made from gold, hippopotamus tusk, elephant ivory and (other people’s) human teeth! They were quite an invention, but we are glad that dental technology has evolved.
Amused? There are also many facts that can help you preserve dental hygiene. Contact with the dental health expert to get more information, contact Alameda Dental Care at (480) 508-8723.