SOME FACTS ABOUT YOUR TEETH

1 / Adult humans have 32 teeth in total, while children have only 20 primary (baby) teeth. Your first tooth typically appears around 6 months of age, and your wisdom teeth may emerge between ages 17-25.

2 / The hardest substance in the human body is tooth enamel, which is even stronger than bone. However, unlike bones, teeth cannot heal themselves when damaged.

3 / Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side, while left-handed people tend to chew on their left side. This unconscious preference can actually lead to uneven wear over time.

4 / The average human produces about 25,000 quarts of saliva in their lifetime – enough to fill two swimming pools! Saliva is crucial for protecting teeth and beginning the digestion process.

5 / Tooth fingerprints are unique to each person – even identical twins have different dental impressions. This is why dental records can be used for identification in forensic science.

6 / Ancient Egyptians used a paste made from powdered oxen hooves, eggshells, pumice, and myrrh to clean their teeth. The first nylon toothbrush wasn't invented until 1938.

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Fig. 1 Fig. 2

ADULT TEETH MAP ENAMEL STRENGTH

    Wisdom Molars Diamond

      |          |                     |

   [W][M][M][M][P][P][C][I] Enamel

                                       |

   W = Wisdom Bone

   M = Molar |

   P = Premolar Steel

   C = Canine

   I = Incisor

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

DAILY TOOTH CONTACT TOOTH DEVELOPMENT

Time teeth touch Birth → Age 21

per day: 24 min |---------------|

                              Primary → Permanent

Fig. 5 Fig. 6

CAVITY FACTS TOOTHBRUSH TIMELINE

92% of adults 3500 BC: Chew sticks

have had cavities 1498: Bristle brush

1938: Nylon brush

*Did you know? The first tooth fairy payment recorded in the US was in 1900 for 5 cents.*