Looking through an electron microscope, the scientists noticed a pattern of chipping and scratches that researchers say were made using a tiny stone pick.
Our teeth are pretty amazing!
And…did you know:
- The average adult has 28 to 32 teeth, depending on whether or not they have kept their “wisdom” teeth.
- The hardest substance in the human body is tooth enamel.
- Tooth decay is the most widespread disease of mankind…and the oldest.
- •The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold.
- Most tooth loss in people over the age of 35 is from periodontal disease.
- Most tooth loss in people under the age of 35 is from athletic trauma, fights or accidents.
- A tooth that has been knocked out starts to die within 15 minutes. But if it’s held in the mouth or put in milk it will survive longer.
- People with hyperdontia have extra or ‘super-numerary’ teeth. Most remain hidden below the gum line, but occasionally they erupt and crowd other teeth.
- The ancient Summarians called tooth decay “tooth worms.”
- If you don’t floss regularly, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces.
- Sadly, 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
- Happily, over three million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year.
- More than 300 types of bacteria combine to make dental plaque.
- The average person brushes for a mere 45-70 seconds a day…the recommended amount is 2-3 minutes.
- The first nylon bristled toothbrush with a plastic handle was invented in 1938.
- The electric toothbrush first appeared in 1939.
- Babies begin to develop their primary teeth just six weeks after conception.
- About one in every 2000 babies is born with ‘natal teeth.’
And last, but not least…
- The Statue of Liberty’s mouth is three feet wide…now that’s a lot of teeth!
