As it’s nearing Christmas, we thought we’d put together a quick-fire fun blog of facts and stats about dentistry – impress your friends with some of these interesting and obscure facts!
- Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints. Even identical twins have their own unique ‘dental fingerprints’. (rephrase).
- Flossing once per day can allegedly increase your life expectancy by 6 years!
- Bacteria begins to attack your teeth a mere 3 hours after you eat. This is why brushing twice a day and rinsing your mouth out with water regularly is essential in avoiding tooth decay and gum disease!
- Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in those over the age of 35.
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body. This does not make it invincible to damage however, so it’s important to avoid practices such as opening bottles with your mouth – the cause of many cracked and damaged teeth.
- When you place a cap on your toothbrush after use, you are actually doing more bad than good. Bacteria favours moist environments which means your toothbrush becomes a hotbed once your place that cap over it.
- There are 4 types of teeth – incisors, canine teeth, premolars and molars.
- You are 33% more likely to develop tooth decay if you brush only once a day.
- The mouth produces enough saliva to fill 2 swimming pools and protects your mouth from bacteria by washing it away. This is why it is important to eat foods that stimulate the production of saliva.
- A third of your teeth are located under your gums.
- Older versions of toothpaste include ground chalk, lemon juice and charcoal mixes.
- Tooth decay has declined in children aged between 12-15 since 1983.
- 31% of children aged between 12-15 said they felt embarrassed about smiling and laughing because of their teeth – this is thought to be linked to orthodontic issues more than issues related to tooth decay or poor quality of dental health.
If you would like to arrange a consultation here at Cornerhouse, please do not hesitate to contact us.