As your Oakville dentist, I love going back to my patients at Trafalgar Village Dental and sharing some fun facts about their teeth and oral health. Apart from regular cleanings and check-ups, dentistry has many interesting facts that surprise the individual. Moreover, these fun facts will make you like your smile all the more!
Ancient Dental Practices
Did you know that dentistry is one of the very old medical fields? Evidence found from archaeology shows that in ancient societies, dentists were highly developed. Further, the history of dental treatment goes as far back as 7000 BCE, when the ancient Indus Valley Civilization used the services of bow drills to treat tooth problems.
The First Dentist in Canada
Speaking of history, the first dentist in Canada appeared in New France (now Quebec) in 1664. His name was Laurent Barbot, and he provided “tooth pulling,” so they used to call it. He also provided other basic dental procedures to the settlers.
Unique Facts About Your Teeth
Your Dental Fingerprint
As a dentist in Oakville, I always tell patients that their teeth are as unique as their fingerprints. Your dental pattern is unique to you alone. That’s why forensic dentists can identify individuals using only dental records.
Tooth Enamel: Tougher Than You Think
The hardest part of your teeth is the enamel that covers them. In fact, it is even harder than bone! Yet, with all its strength, it can be damaged by acid from food and liquids too.
Fun Dental Facts
How Long We Brush
A typical person brushes their teeth for about 38.5 days in a lifetime. Nevertheless, not many people brush for the full two minutes per session which is advised.
Saliva Production Facts
Your mouth produces some 25,000 litres of saliva in a lifetime. That’s enough to fill two backyard swimming pools! Meanwhile, this saliva protects your teeth from cavities.
Dentist in Oakville: Historical Dental Curiosities
George Washington’s Teeth
Unlike what most people think, George Washington’s dentures were not wood. Rather, they were made of ivory, gold, lead, and even human teeth. Fortunately, as a contemporary dentist in Oakville, I can provide much more comfortable and natural alternatives!
The First Toothbrush
The first toothbrush with bristles was invented in China in 1498. The bristles are taken from hogs, badgers, and horses. Later, the nylon-bristled toothbrush we have today was not invented until 1938.
Children’s Dental Trivia
Baby Teeth Development
You know what? Baby teeth begin to develop even before one is born. Yes, they begin to develop in the second trimester of pregnancy. So, pregnant women require adequate nutrition for the dental development of the baby.
The Tooth Fairy Tradition
The Tooth Fairy tradition varies across the world. In Spain, a mouse named Ratoncito Pérez takes away teeth. On the other hand, in Mongolia, baby teeth are given as food to dogs so that one can have healthy adult teeth.
Modern Dental Developments
As a dentist in Oakville, I’m anticipating the developments that have occurred in our field. Digital X-rays only expose patients to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. Moreover, 3D printing is revolutionizing the way we fabricate dental restorations.
The Future of Dentistry
Scientists are conducting trials on tooth regeneration techniques. Consequently, in the future, dentists can regrow your missing teeth rather than restoring them with artificial materials.
Oral Health and Overall Well-being
Your mouth is inhabited by over 700 species of bacteria. But most of them are completely harmless if you maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, regular trips to your dentist in Oakville keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Mind-Body Connection
Research identifies links between oral health and diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, healthy teeth result in overall well-being and wellness.
We at Trafalgar Village Dental believe that dental health education has to be fun and exciting. We hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about your fantastic teeth!
If you are interested in interesting dental facts or want to book an appointment with a dentist Oakville, please do not hesitate to contact us at Trafalgar Village Dental: (905) 339-0404, or just stop by at 117 Cross Avenue, Oakville, ON L6J 2W7.