Most people understand the dental basics about flossing, brushing, and routine dental visits. But did you know that dentistry has a unique history that offers remarkable tidbits of information? Amaze your friends and family with these little-known dental facts:
• Before toothbrushes existed, people had to use twigs or their fingers to brush their teeth.
• In approximately 400 BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates recommended toothpaste made from three mice and a hare’s head might help a toothache.
• Rough abrasives such as crushed eggshell, pumice, or the burnt hooves of animals were used to clean teeth before toothpaste was invented.
• An estimated 33 percent of people squeeze their toothpaste from the middle.
• Several hundred years ago, cavities were considered a rich person’s disease because only the wealthy could afford sweet treats.
• During the 18th century, poorer individuals would sell their teeth to the rich, who would use them to make replacements for missing teeth.
• Cows have no upper teeth.
• Dogs have 42 teeth, and cats have 30 teeth, but armadillos have 104!
• The 1986 National Spelling Bee winner won by spelling odontalgia, another word for toothache.
• In Early American, blacksmiths often serves as dentists too.
• Americans spend more money on hair care or lottery tickets than on dental care each year.
• On average, women smile about 62 times a day, men smile only eight times.
• During 1994, an inmate in West Virginia made a rope with dental floss, scaled a wall, and escaped.
• Known as the Tooth Mouse, the Mexican version of the Tooth Fairy takes the tooth and leaves treasure in its place.
