Key Tips & Facts Every Patient Should Know About Dentistry

Dentistry Tips 

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time.
2. Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
4. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every six months or as recommended by your dental professional.
5. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion.
6. Avoid tobacco products, as they can cause gum disease, tooth discoloration, and oral cancer.
7. Protect your teeth during sports activities by wearing a mouthguard.
8. Consider using fluoride mouthwash as an extra line of defense against tooth decay.
9. Clean your tongue gently with a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
10. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth and jaw.
11. Teach children good oral hygiene habits from a young age and supervise their brushing and flossing until they can do it effectively on their own.
12. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or perform other non-eating tasks.
13. Stay hydrated with water, as it helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth moist.
14. If you have diabetes, maintain good blood sugar control to reduce the risk of gum disease.
15. If you notice any changes in your mouth, such as sores, swelling, or persistent bad breath, see your dentist for evaluation.
16. Consider using a fluoride toothpaste if you’re at a higher risk for cavities.
17. Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away debris.
18. If you smoke or use tobacco, consider quitting to improve your oral and overall health.
19. Be mindful of teeth-staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, and consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
20. Practice stress management techniques, as stress can contribute to teeth grinding and other oral health issues.

Dentistry Fun Facts

1. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to practice dentistry around 2000 B.C., using metal tools to treat dental issues.
2. The first recorded dentist in history is Hesy-Ra, an Egyptian scribe and physician who lived around 2600 B.C.
3. In the Middle Ages, barbers performed dental extractions and other dental procedures alongside their haircutting duties.
4. The bristle toothbrush, similar to the ones we use today, was invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (619-907 AD).
5. The world’s oldest-known dental filling was found in Slovenia and dates back over 6,500 years. It’s made of beeswax.
6. The first commercial dental floss was manufactured in 1882, and it was made from silk.
7. A person’s mouth produces over 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime, enough to fill two swimming pools.
8. The enamel on the surface of our teeth is the hardest substance in the human body.
9. The average person spends around 38.5 days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.
10. The fear of dentists is called “odontophobia” or “dentophobia.”
11. A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin but can contain over 25,000 teeth.
12. The famous explorer Christopher Columbus was one of the first to bring back the idea of toothpaste from his voyages, using crushed seashells and sand.
13. The most common item left behind by travelers in hotel rooms is the toothbrush.
14. Tooth decay is the second most common disease in the United States, only behind the common cold.
15. Ancient Greeks and Romans used a mixture called “dentifrice” to clean their teeth, which contained substances like crushed bones, oyster shells, and charcoal.
16. The electric toothbrush was first marketed in 1960 by the company Squibb.
17. The average person spends about 48 seconds a day brushing their teeth, whereas dentists recommend at least two minutes.
18. Queen Elizabeth I of England had notoriously bad teeth and was fond of sweet treats, which led to tooth decay.
19. The Aztecs used a mixture of burnt tortoise shells and water to clean their teeth.
20. The first modern dental college, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was founded in 1840.