Orthodontics and dentistry are two fields that are often thought of as being quite straightforward and well understood by the general public. However, there are many little-known facts about these fields that may surprise even the most seasoned dental professionals. Here are just a few examples:
- The average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth in their lifetime.
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is harder than bone, but it can be worn down by acidic foods and drinks, as well as tooth grinding.
- Your mouth is home to over 700 different types of bacteria.
- Dental floss was invented in 1815 by a dentist named Levi Spear Parmly.
- The average person produces about 25,000 quarts of saliva in their lifetime, which is enough to fill two swimming pools.
- The oldest known dental filling was found in an ancient Egyptian mummy and was made of gold wire.
- Teeth can continue to grow throughout a person’s lifetime, but they can also be worn down by the natural process of chewing and grinding.
- The average person has 32 teeth, including the wisdom teeth.
- The Tooth Fairy is a tradition in many cultures, but it originated in the United States in the early 1900s.
- The first recorded use of toothpaste dates back to ancient Egypt, where a mixture of ground-up pumice, vinegar, and other ingredients was used to clean teeth.
In conclusion, while orthodontics and dentistry may seem straightforward on the surface, there is actually a vast amount of knowledge and expertise that goes into these fields. From the different types of braces available to the important role that dentists play in overall health and well-being, there is always more to learn and discover about these fascinating professions.
