Monday, December 6, 2010

Interesting & Fun Facts In Dentistry

Dental health is quite intriguing. There are plenty of myths around that we blindly believe and follow. Dental health is a whole science in itself and there is a lot more to it than appears so. Here are some interesting facts that an average person does not know about dental health.

1.The commonly used practice of putting a cap on toothbrush is actually more detrimental. The moisture entrapped in the cap favors bacterial growth.
2.You are not supposed to brush within 6 feet of a toilet. The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of 6 feet.
3.75% of the United States population suffers from some stage of periodontal gum disease.
4.People who tend to drink 3 or more glasses of soda/pop daily have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others.
5.The first toothbrush with bristles was manufactured in China in 1498. Bristles from hogs, horses and badgers were used. The first commercial toothbrush was made in 1938.
6.Fluoridated toothpastes when ingested habitually by kids can lead to fluoride toxicity.
7.You are supposed to replace your toothbrush after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections.   Notorious microbes can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection.
8.New born babies do not have tooth decay bacteria. Often, the bacteria are transmitted from mother to baby when she kisses the child or blows in hot food/drink before feeding the baby.
9.Before toothbrushes were invented people used twigs or their fingers to brush their teeth.(Neem twigs are still used in India as thy have high bactericidal property)
10.The Greek physician Hippocrates (400BC) suggested a toothpaste made from three mice and the head of a hare to cure toothache.
11.Before toothpaste was invented people used dry, rough things as an abrasive to clean their teeth – like crushed eggshell, pumice or the burnt hooves of animals!
12.A third of the population squeeze their toothpaste tube from the middle.
13.The world’s oldest-known formula for toothpaste, used more than 1,500 years before Colgate began marketing in 1873, was discovered on a piece of dusty papyrus in the basement of a Viennese museum.
14.Tooth fairy: Many people tell their children that when we loose our teeth/tooth, and when placed under our pillow before we sleep a tooth fairy comes and exchanges the tooth with a gift.
15.In the 18th century people would sell their teeth to the rich people, Who then used to make false teeth with them.(so replacement of teeth was seen from as early as 18th century)

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