Interesting Facts about Dentists and Teeth

Key Takeaways

• Dental implants date back to 600 AD, when ancient Mayans used shell pieces; modern titanium implants now exceed 95% success rates.
• Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, harder than bone and steel, but more brittle and prone to chipping.
• One in four adults brush incorrectly; dentists recommend two minutes, but the average American brushes only about 45 seconds.
• Proper brushing technique—gentle circular motions along the gumline—is just as important as brushing duration.

The first thing that usually comes to mind when someone mentions dentistry is the dreaded dental chair with its papery covering and harsh light. But there's more to teeth and dentistry than what you'd find during your average dentist visit. Humans have been making dentistry equipment since ancient times. The first dental implant was made from a seashell over 14,000 years ago. Titanium teeth have been part of modern dentistry since the 1930s. Human teeth are the strongest substance in the body—but they can also be fragile. If you're guilty of not flossing as much as you should, these facts will have you seeing your teeth in a whole new light.

Ancient Dental Implants

Humans Have Been Looking for Ways to Replace Missing Teeth Since at Least 600 AD Before there were dental implants or dentists taking care of people's teeth, people were still trying to replace them. 

Archeologists have uncovered evidence that as early as 600 AD members of the ancient Maya civilization were replacing missing teeth with implants made from shells. The shells that they drilled into their jaws bonded with the bone—much like titanium implants do today. In the jaw of an ancient Maya woman, archaeologists found pieces of shell that they had inserted into her mouth to replace lost teeth. There was definite evidence that the shells had integrated with the bone tissue of the jaw. Jump forward about 1,500 years, and dental implants are now made from titanium. Titanium is a metal that the body does not reject. Right now dental implants have a greater than 95% success rate. Making them one of the most successful procedures dentistry has to offer. Implants are anchored into the jaw and act as replacements for the roots of teeth. After they have had time to integrate with the jaw, they can be topped with a porcelain crown that matches your surrounding teeth. They are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dental implants from shells to titanium have certainly come a long way, but they still serve the same purpose of restoring your smile.

Tooth Enamel Is Harder Than Bone

While many assume bone to be the hardest substance in the body, that honor actually goes to tooth enamel. Enamel is the white, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from damage. Its main component is hydroxyapatite, which is a crystalline calcium phosphate mineral. On the Mohs scale of hardness, enamel ranks higher than bone and steel. Tooth enamel has to be hard to withstand the pressure of chewing, biting, and grinding down food day after day. Our teeth are durable, but they are not invincible. Just because enamel is sturdy does not mean it can't be damaged. Enamel is very brittle and can be cracked from large impacts or sudden forces. You also cannot regenerate lost enamel. Enamel is harder than bone, but that also means its cells die when we stop growing. The cells known as ameloblasts are only active during tooth development. While your bones will regenerate as you grow and heal yourself after an injury, your teeth will not. One injury to an area with exposed enamel could cause you a world of pain. That's why you should take care of your enamel by watching what you eat. Don't use them as utensils and wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. Another reason to prioritize the health of your enamel is its role as the primary barrier against cavities. When acidic foods, drinks, or bacteria wear away at your enamel, you are left with dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and allows for tiny particles to reach the inner parts of your teeth. This exposure will first lead to teeth sensitivity but eventually cavities. So remember how tough enamel is and treat it right.

Brushing Mistakes Are Common

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults brush their teeth incorrectly? It appears that most of us have been brushing our teeth since we were old enough to tie our shoes. You'd think that by now, we would all have mastered the art of brushing our teeth. However, that is far from the truth. In fact, did you know that 25% of adults brush their teeth the wrong way? Not only are they brushing incorrectly but they are also harming their teeth in the process. Many people do not brush long enough, believe it or not. Most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day. However, most people spend an average of only 47 seconds brushing their teeth. That is barely enough time to get half your mouth clean and will leave you prone to plaque buildup. Not only do you have to brush for long enough, but you have to brush correctly as well. Many people like to brush with firm horizontal strokes. This type of brushing will wear down your enamel as well as recess your gum line over time. Brush at a 45-degree angle with soft bristles in small circular motions. Focus along the gum line because that is where most cavities occur. Speaking of bristles, make sure you are using a soft toothbrush. While hard bristles may seem effective, they actually aren't. They can actually damage your enamel and gums. Electric toothbrushes have also been proven to be more effective than manual brushes. However, if you use the proper brushing technique for the full 2 minutes, your manual brush will do just fine.

More Interesting Dental Facts

Saliva Production

Did you know that over the course of your life you will produce around 25,000 quarts of saliva? Enough saliva to fill two swimming pools! Saliva is crucial to our dental health, as it helps to wash away food particles and counteract acids. It can also help rebuild enamel with minerals that it contains.

Teeth Are Unique

Did you also know that no two people have the same teeth? Just as our fingerprints are unique, so are our teeth. Dental records are often used to identify victims because of these features. Even if you have an identical twin, your teeth will be different. Your tongue print is also unique but much less researched.

Dentistry Is Ancient

Dentistry is also one of the oldest professions. Over 9,000 years ago, the Indus Valley performed the first recorded dental work. Ancient Egyptians had tooth doctors known as "tooth shamans." The father of modern dentistry, Pierre Fauchard, published the first dental textbook in the 1700s. Since then, dentistry has come a long way, with new technology and treatments constantly being developed.

Conclusion

Did you know that teeth aren't just essential for biting and chewing food? Teeth have complex biology. They also have history. Ancient Mayans had shell implants thousands of years ago. Today we have titanium Dental Implants: that can fuse to your jaw with near perfection. But did you know that tooth enamel is the strongest material in the body, yet it cannot regenerate itself? Or is it the most common brushing mistake is brushing too hard? Your teeth are incredible and deserve your respect. Next time you're brushing, take your time. Those two minutes will add up. And remember to brush with circular motions. You have teeth that will (hopefully!) last you the rest of your life. So take care of them like they'll last forever, because they will… if you let them. If you're ever concerned about why your teeth hurt, don't wait to seek help.