DR. HOFFMAN PRESENTS 28 FUN FACTS ABOUT TEETH
Here at Family And Implant Dentistry, we believe it’s important that we provide our patients with high-quality care, as well as helpful information about oral health. This allows our valued patients in the Lincoln area and beyond to enjoy happy, healthy, and attractive smiles for many years to come. What follows is 28 fun facts that we have compiled about teeth and oral health.
1) The earliest dentist was an Egyptian and was practicing early forms of dentistry over 5,000 years ago.
2) Lucy Beaman Hobbs became the first licensed female dentist in 1866.
3) The first toothbrushes were created from tree twigs. Chewing on the tips of these twigs spread out the fibers, which were then used to clean the surface of teeth.
4) Ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder or iron rust as toothpaste.
5) Contrary to popular belief, George Washington never had wooden teeth. His dentures were made from a special combination of gold, hippopotamus tusk, elephant ivory, and actual human teeth.
6) In 1905, Dental Assistant Irene Newman was trained to clean teeth. She went on to become the first Dental Hygienist.
7) According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 50% of respondents surveyed said that a smile is the first feature they notice about another person.
8) Recent studies revealed that U.S. consumers buy over 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year.
9) Most adults have approximately 32 teeth.
10) Modern toothpaste has only been available for the past hundred years. Before this invention, humans used charcoal or ground chalk, ashes, lemon juice, and honey-tobacco mixtures to clean their teeth!
11) The top surface of your tooth, called enamel is the hardest part of the body, even your bones!
12) Teeth start to form before babies are born. However, they don’t actually come through the gums until children reach 6 to 12 months old.
13) No two individuals have the same teeth. In fact, the shape and surface of your teeth is as unique as a fingerprint.
14) The average person spends almost 40 days brushing their teeth over the course of their lifetime.
15) Some 80% of dental injuries sustained by children are to their front teeth.
16) Humans have four different types of teeth: incisors, canine, premolars, and molars. We use these teeth to cut, tear, and grind our food.
17) One-third of the tooth surface lies beneath the gum line. This means only two-thirds of your tooth is visible above your gum.
18) Humans have two sets of teeth, baby teeth, and permanent teeth.
19) The human mouth produces over 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That means your mouth produces enough spit to fill two swimming pools.
20) Saliva has many uses, including assisting you with your digestion, reducing halitosis, and protecting your teeth from bacteria.
21) If you get your tooth knocked out, put it in milk and hold it in your mouth—this will help your tooth to survive longer. Make sure you see a dentist right away.
22) The average amount of money left by the tooth fairy in 1950 was 25 cents. In 1988, it was $1.00. Today’s going rate for losing a tooth is $2.00.
23) When a tooth gets knocked out will start to die within 15 minutes.
24) Patients can extend the life of a knocked out tooth by placing it in glass of milk or by holding it in your mouth.
25) Think kids eat more candy than adults? Think again. Adults consume about 65% of all the candy produced in the U.S.
26) Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease.
27) Brushing your teeth daily can reduce the chance of tooth decay by up to 25%.
28) If you added up to the amount of bacteria in your mouth right now, it would add up to more that the number of people currently alive on Earth!
Call Today For A Consultation With Dr. Hoffman
Here at Family And Implant Dentistry, we have many amazing treatments to help you get a healthy and happy smile. If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your smile, we encourage you to come get help from our wonderful staff. Contact our office today and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Hoffman.