Kids are fascinated by science and biology, especially the human body. As children begin to practice good oral health, parents can make it fun by sharing fun facts about their teeth and mouth. Below are ten interesting “did you know” facts about teeth and dentists from your friends at Smilez Pediatric Dental Group and Colgate.

1. If you’re child is right handed, they’ll more than likely chew on the right side of their mouth. If they’re left handed, they will chew on the left side.
2. Kids in prehistoric times likely did not suffer with tooth decay. The American Dental Association says this is because sugar was not a part of their diet.
3. The average human has 32 teeth. Dogs have 42, cats have 30 and an armadillo has 104 teeth. Giraffes do not have any top teeth. A snail’s mouth may be smaller than a pin’s head, but it can have as much as 25,000 teeth.
4. Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body; because it’s so durable, healthy tooth enamel protects teeth from cavity-causing oral bacteria.
5. If you get your adult tooth knocked out, put it in milk and hold it in your mouth—this will help your tooth to survive longer. Make sure you see a dentist right away.
6. The average person brushes their teeth between 45 to 70 seconds, rather than two minutes. In their lifetime, the average American will spend 38.5 days brushing their teeth.
7. The earliest dentist was known as Hesi-Re from Egypt. He lived over 5,000 years ago. The first official female dentist lived in 1866 and her name was Lucy Beaman Hobbs. The first dental hygienist was a woman named Irene Newman in 1905.
8. Your mouth produces over 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime—that’s enough to fill two swimming pools. Saliva has many uses, including assisting you with your digestion and protects your teeth from bacteria in your mouth.
9. Tooth decay is actually classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by a particular strain of bacteria passed between multiple people.
10. Unlike bones or other parts of the body, teeth are incapable of self-repair. This is why receiving fillings and other dental work is necessary to protect teeth from further damage.

You now have some intriguing teeth facts to share with your kids. Who knew the little bones in our mouths could have such an interesting and sometimes crazy history. Want to learn more? Follow us on Twitter or follow our dental blog today!

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Haymarket VA, Gainesville, VA, Warrenton, VA, or the surrounding areas, please browse our website to learn more about our practice and dental services that are available for your child. Contact our office today at (703) 468-0700 to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and get answers to your questions. We look forward to welcoming your family into our own.