10 Fun Dental Facts
Why Are Molars Called Molars?
The word molar is based on the Latin word “mola” meaning millstone. The molars primary function is to grind food similar to how a millstone grinds grain.
Teeth Start Forming Before We Are Born
Teeth start to form in utero at about 6 weeks of gestation.
Why Are They Called Eye Teeth?
Also known as the canines, due to the resemblance to a dog’s teeth, eye teeth are named so because they are positioned just under the eyes.
Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing
When you brush, you are only cleaning 60% of your tooth’s surface. Flossing cleans the remaining 40%!
One Of The Most Common Effects Of Poor Dental Hygiene Is Bad Breath
Over 90% of bad breath originates in the mouth.
The Hardest Substance Found In The Human Body Is Your Tooth Enamel
Consisting of hydroxyapatite, tooth enamel is stronger than your bones. According to the Mohs Hardness scale, tooth enamel is a 5, making it as hard, or harder than steel.
Chewing On Cloves Relieves Toothache
Touted as an old wives tale, this one actually has some validity. Cloves contain a substance known as eugenol, which is commonly used in the medical and dental field due to its antiseptic and anesthetic properties.
The Anti-Bacterial Properties Of Coconuts Make Them A Natural Way To Help Reduce Gum Disease And Cavities
The ancient Ayurvedic technique of oil pulling with coconut oil has been used for thousands of years and is claimed to pull toxins from the teeth.
There Are More Bacteria In Your Mouth Than There Are People On The Earth
There are around 6 billion bacteria in a person’s mouth. Some are good and some are bad. The less you brush your teeth and the more you eat sugary foods and drinks the bad bacteria will increase, which is why a bad breath is one of the first things you will notice when you don’t brush on a regular basis.
Just like finger prints, tooth prints are unique to each individual
Each tooth in your mouth has its’ own unique features, no two teeth are exactly alike. This is why dental records are used to identify people.
Have questions about you or a family members dental health? Call (210) 877-2273 to set up an appointment with Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental.
