Here at Cotteswold House Dental Care, we believe teeth are nothing short of extraordinary. With over 40 years of experience of caring for smiles here in Gloucester, we’ve uncovered some truly quirky and fascinating things about these little marvels of nature.
Prepare to sink your teeth into some astonishing facts that are bound to leave you open-mouthed… from surprising evolutionary traits to quirky records, the world of teeth is anything but boring. Whether you’re a dental health obsessive or just curious about the secrets behind your smile, these 10 jaw-dropping facts will challenge everything you thought you knew about teeth and oral health!
1 – Human Teeth Are as Strong as Shark Teeth
Tooth enamel is stronger than steel – meaning human teeth are just as strong as a shark’s in terms of durability. Despite their toughness, teeth are not indestructible, so taking care of them is essential to maintaining their resilience and functionality.
2 – We Produce Enough Saliva in Our Lifetime to Fill Two Swimming Pools!
Your mouth is an impressive saliva-producing powerhouse, capable of secreting up to 1.5 litres of saliva daily. This vital fluid isn’t just for keeping your mouth moist – it plays a crucial role in your overall health. Saliva helps in digestion by breaking down food and making it easier to swallow, while also working to wash away food particles and bacteria to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
3 – Teeth Are The Only Part of The Human Body That Cannot Heal Themselves
While the rest of your body regenerates and repairs, once a tooth is damaged, it stays that way without dental intervention. That’s where we step in!
Our team’s expert knowledge and experience in all types of restorative dentistry means we are able to deliver outstanding and unique solutions for damaged or missing teeth whilst maintaining the high standards of personal care we are well known for at Cotteswold House Dental Care.
4 – Teeth Are Unique Like Fingerprints
Your teeth have their own unique arrangement – no two people have the same dental pattern, not even identical twins! Hence teeth serve as vital and reliable identifiers in forensic science.
5 – Some People Are Born with Teeth
Did you know teeth begin developing before birth? In rare cases, babies can even be born with several teeth already present. In fact, Sean Keaney from Newbury, Berkshire, holds the Guinness World Record for being born on April 10th 1990 with an astonishing 12 teeth—much to the surprise of doctors!
6 – Wisdom Teeth Were Once Essential to Our Survival
Wisdom teeth are remnants of our evolutionary past, serving as essential tools for early humans to grind and chew tough foods like raw meat and roots, which were crucial in their diet.
While once useful to our ancestors, today they are often more of a nuisance than an asset due to limited space in modern jaws, and may need removal through oral surgery.
7- There Are More Bacteria in Your Mouth than People on Earth!
Did you know there are far more bacteria in your mouth (up to 100 billion!) then there are people on Earth (about 8 billion)?
While many of these bacteria are harmless and even beneficial, some can contribute to issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath if oral hygiene isn’t maintained through regular dental health check ups and hygienist cleanings.
8 – NASA Invented a Toothpaste for Astronauts to Use in Space
In space, water behaves very differently—it forms floating droplets, making rinsing after brushing nearly impossible. To solve this, NASA developed a special edible toothpaste that can be safely swallowed, allowing astronauts to maintain their oral hygiene even in zero gravity. It’s a powerful reminder that oral care matters—no matter where you are in the universe!
9 – The Most Expensive Tooth Ever Sold Belonged to a Beatle
Canadian dentist Dr. Michael Zuk paid approximately £23,000 for the tooth belonging to legendary musician John Lennon at an auction in Stockport, Cheshire, setting a new Guinness World Record in 2011. A small but pricey piece of rock ‘n’ roll history!
10 – Dark Chocolate Can be Good for Your Teeth
Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can hold some surprising health benefits for your teeth. High-quality dark chocolate contains compounds that have an anti-bacterial effect and can also fight against plaque and prevent cavities.
However, it’s essential to choose dark chocolate without added sugars or sticky fillings, as those can counteract the benefits. Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth afterwards to keep your smile clean and healthy!
Dentistry might not always steal the spotlight, and you probably won’t find these topics come up in your next pub quiz—but they’re undeniably fascinating! They also serve as a great reminder of just how important it is to care for your teeth.
Your mouth truly is a marvel – your teeth are not only strong and unique, but they also play a crucial role in your overall health, supporting everything from digestion to clear speech. What’s more, poor oral health has been linked to a range of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of things with regular dental health check-ups and hygienist appointments.
Here at Cotteswold House Dental Care in Gloucester, we’ve been proudly looking after and perfecting smiles for over 4 decades in Gloucester, and we love welcoming new patients into our family orientated practice. If you are interested in a particular treatment or would simply like to find out more about joining our practice book a free consultation with our Treatment Co-ordinator Jess – get in touch today.