Have you ever thought about how much use our mouths on a daily basis? We use them an amazing amount to eat, breathe and communicate, but how much do we know about this busy and important part of our body? Expert dentists, like Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI, like to provide information on maintaining your oral health during appointments, but there is also a lot of fun dental information that they don't often get to share! At South Bay Smiles, we love all things having to do with teeth and have complied these 10 fun dental facts to share. These dental facts can provide fun and unique ideas on maintaining your oral health as well as some trivia and history, check out the list below!
- Saliva swishes around our mouth, cleans our teeth and maintains good breath. Did you know that on average, humans produce 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime? 25,000 quarts is enough to fill two swimming pools!
- Of all the substances in the human body, did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance? Protect your enamel by brushing and flossing and keep your teeth extra strong.
- Behind the common cold, did you know that tooth decay is the second most common disease in the United States? Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI encourages all his patients to avoid tooth decay with good brushing and flossing habits along with regular check ups at South Bay Smiles!
- The animal kingdom includes an array of eccentric teeth! An elephant's tooth can weight 6 whole pounds and can measure one foot across. While giraffes only have bottom teeth, turtles and tortoises have no teeth at all.
- Certain foods can definitely be bad for your teeth, but there are yummy treats that can actually help prevent tooth decay. Cheeses and dark chocolate are both know to prevent tooth decay, so next time you're looking for snack, know that these two are dentist approved!
- How long have you had your toothbrush? Did you know that you're supposed to switch out your toothbrush every 3 months? Another tip on keeping your toothbrush fresh is to keep it away from your toilet! Particles from the toilet can travel up to 6 feet, so it's best to keep your toothbrush away a safe distance. Also, be sure to throw out you toothbrush after you have a cold, flu or viral infection. Notorious microbes can implant themselves on bristles, which can lead to reinfection!
- Every toothbrush could boast the "Made in China" sticker as the first toothbrush was invented in China! Around 1600 BC the Chinese invented chewing sticks that were used to clean out their teeth. It would be another few hundred years until the traditional toothbrush with bristles would be invented.
- Gaps, chips and cracks in the teeth cause tooth decay! Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI has an impressive smile gallery with his restored teeth—avoid tooth decay and fix those chips!
- Great fact: Once a damaged tooth is treated by a dentist, the decaying stops! If you have a cavity or are in need of a check up, come into South Bay Smiles and stop that tooth decay!
- Finally, did you know the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay is to brush and floss regularly? Keep those smiles looking great and feeling healthy! Contact Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI at South Bay Smiles for your next appointment today!
If you are in need of any dental treatments, contact the South Bay dental experts!