7 Truly Mind-Boggling Facts About Dentistry

After years of taking care of your teeth and visiting your dentist, you probably know quite a bit about dentistry. For example, you may know that enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth) is the strongest substance in the human body or that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent oral health concerns across the globe. However, there are also some weird and wacky smile-related facts that you probably don’t know. To learn what they are, read on!

Fact #1: The Average Person Spends Nearly 40 Days Brushing Their Teeth

38.5 to be exact! Taking two minutes each morning and evening to brush your teeth doesn’t seem like much, but it certainly adds up. To ensure you meet that time requirement, opt for an electric toothbrush with a timer or pop on a fun song or video.

Fact #2: Toothpaste Wasn’t Always So Minty

Although there are a variety of toothpaste “flavors” – from sweet bubble gum to tingly cinnamon – the most popular option is mint. Centuries prior, people used alabaster, talc, coral powder, and similar items. In fact, there are some records that show urine was used to remove unwanted stains! Makes you extra grateful for modern toothpaste, huh?

Fact #3: The Tooth Fairy Has Experienced Inflation Too

Designed to make the milestone of losing teeth exciting, the tooth fairy has been a magical, mythical creature for decades. In 1950, the going rate for one tooth was a measly 25 cents. Only 30 years later, it was a whole dollar. In 2022, children get $2.00+, and it doesn’t seem like the increased rates are stopping anytime soon!

Fact #4: Size Doesn’t Matter

The bigger the animal, the larger the teeth, right? Not necessarily. Blue whales, one of the largest mammals on the planet, don’t have a single tooth. How? Since they feed on shrimp and krill, they don’t need any. Conversely, snails have more than 25,000 teeth – all in their head that’s no larger than the tip of a pin!

Fact #5: Teeth Help Actors Get into Character

One of the most noteworthy examples of this is Brad Pitt. To embody his character in Fight Club, he purposefully chipped some of his teeth. Don’t worry – as soon as shooting wrapped, he got his flawless smile restored. Some other famous actors that have altered their smiles for their roles include Ed Helms, Jim Carrey, Shia LaBeouf, and Christian Bale.

Fact #6: Nearly 80% of Americans Have Had a Cavity by 17

It’s true! Despite the fact that tooth decay is largely preventable, it continues to be a prevalent oral health concern. So much so that almost 80% of Americans have had a cavity by the age of 17 and roughly 90% have had a cavity by their 21st birthday. The best way to avoid becoming part of this statistic (or to prevent further damage) is to implement a solid oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing each morning and evening, flossing consistently, and visiting your dentist biannually for a checkup and cleaning.

Fact #7: The Average Person Has 32 Teeth

Quite a mouthful, huh? Of course, not everyone has the exact same number. In fact, the current record is a whopping 37 teeth! And, of course, some have fewer due to tooth loss from decay, gum disease, or injury.

That wraps up our list of mind-boggling smile-related facts! If you want to learn more about dentistry and, more specifically, your oral health, then get in touch with your dentist today. The more you know, the more equipped you are to care for your smile Plus, you can amaze your friends and family with your knowledge and spread the smiles to them!