Did You Know?
Interesting and Crazy Dental Facts
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
- The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria.
- While dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least 2 or 3 minutes, the average person spends about 48 seconds per day brushing their teeth
- In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped.
- The common practice of placing a cap on your toothbrush is actually more detrimental–bacteria favor the moist environment, which increases reproduction.
- According to a recent survey by Time magazine, 59 percent of people would rather have a dental appointment than sit next to someone who is talking on a cell phone.
- In 1498, the first toothbrush with bristles was made in China, using hair from hogs, horses, and badgers. The first official commercial toothbrush was manufactured in 1938.
- In early America, blacksmiths often also served as dentists.
- In Egypt, mummies have been found with fillings comprised of resin and malachite, and gold wire was used to bind together loose teeth.
- In Medieval Germany, the only cure for a toothache was to kiss a donkey.
- 73 percent of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
- Like your fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins have different dental fingerprints.
- The stone-faced farmer in artist Grant Wood’s famous “American Gothic” painting was actually the artist’s dentist.
- Americans spend $100 billion per year on hair care products – and only $2 billion a year on dental care products.
- Contrary to popular belief, George Washington’s famous dentures weren’t made from wood. His four pairs of custom chompers were crafted from gold, ivory, lead and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth.
- The cotton candy making machine that made widely consumed cotton candy possible was co-invented by a dentist. Before it was cotton candy, the fluffy confection was
called “fairy floss.”
Now you know!