Tooth Tip Tuesday

Tooth Decay Facts

The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay.  The first is the common cold.

The earliest record of tooth decay was described by the Sumarians as "tooth worms".  

Historical evidence from 2700 BC shows the Chinese used acupuncture to treat tooth pain.

In the Middle Ages, people believed that dogs' teeth boiled in wine made an excellent mouth rinse for tooth decay.  

During the Middle Ages, the popular belief was that you could grow a lost tooth by obtaining a tooth from someone else - ideally from a hanged criminal.

Some other common tooth remedies from ancient time include boiling earthworms in oil and place this worm oil in your ear.  Also it was believed to make loose teeth firm, simply tie a frog to your jaw.

Toothpaste Facts

Charcoal, ashes, chalk, honey, and lemon juice have all been used as a form of toothpaste to clean teeth.  Twigs, bones, oysters, crushed eggshells and parts of animal hooves have also been used.  

In 1873, Colgate introduced aromatic toothpast in a jar.

In 1896, Colgate dental cream was packaged in collapsible tubes.

When do you develop teeth?

Children begin to develop their primary teeth 6 weeks after conception.  The adult teeth begin to develop at 20 weeks.  

Why floss?

If you don't floss, you miss cleaning 35% of your tooth surfaces.  The primary area where decay forms is in the pits and fissures on the biting surfaces of your teeth.  The second area is in between your teeth.  That is why dentists recommend flossing at least once a day.