You might think you know what there is to know about dentistry but here are some surprising facts for you.
1. Hardest Human Substance
What is the hardest substance in your body? A lot of people will answer “bones” but the answer is actually tooth enamel. Almost 96% of enamel is made up of minerals. Your tooth enamel can have a thickness of up to 2.5mm.
Even though it is strong, it is not indestructible, so it is crucial to take care of your enamel. Make sure you regularly visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups plus stay away from too many acidic or sugary foods because they eat away the enamel of your teeth.
2. Dental Floss or Rope?
Dental floss is made of nylon filament which is powerful enough to withstand a large amount of force. How strong is your dental floss? There is so much strength in dental floss that in 1994 a West Virginia inmate broke out of prison using dental floss. He braided his floss into a rope which allowed him to scale the wall and escape.
You never know when dental floss can come in handy. 😉
3. Brusha Brusha Brusha
Do you remember Jan singing “Brusha Brusha Brusha” in the movie, Grease? This scene sticks with you after watching the movie, just like a commercial advertisement. Commercials are created to stick in your memory long after you have seen them to make you choose this particular product when at a store. 1938 was the year the first official toothbrush commercial was broadcast. And though toothbrushes were invented centuries before the first advertisement, this commercial encouraged many people to get brushing!
Do you want to know something even more interesting? The first toothpaste was introduced in 1908, 30 years before the toothbrush advertisement. Crazy, right? It is pretty hard to brush your teeth well without a good toothpaste.
4. Do Snails Have Teeth?
Yes, they do, in fact, they have more than 25,000 teeth in their small mouths. Snails could definitely benefit from the use of a toothbrush.
5. The Blacksmith – Your Local Dentist
In Early America, the Blacksmith was your local dentist. He would perform any required work and checkups on your teeth. Many people relied upon the skill of this tradesman with his, often large forceps, to get dental work they needed to be done. You could get your teeth checked and your horse re-shoed at the same time!
6. A Smile is Contagious
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 57% of people say a smile from a stranger improves their day and makes them want to smile as well. So, keep going to the dentist to attain your bright smile so you can make someone’s day better.
The world of dentistry is quite an exciting place with crevices full of stories. Fort McMurray might just help you discover some interesting facts you never knew about your teeth.
