Hope everybody had a great holiday season. With the new year in full swing, here are some fun, helpful and, in some cases, frightening dental facts for your perusal:
- You should not keep your toothbrush near a toilet. The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of six feet. Ew!
- People who drink three or more glasses of soda each day have 62 percent more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others.
- According to a recent survey done by Time Magazine, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than be sitting next to someone talking on a cell phone. Can you hear me now?
- You should replace your toothbrush at least every three months, and always after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections. Notorious bacteria can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection.
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. However, it is not recommend using your pearly whites to open bottle caps.
- The standard advice to “see your dentist twice a year” was actually invented by an ad agency for Pepsodent toothpaste. Your dental professional should recommend the correct schedule for your regular dental visits.
- Over three out of four people in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over age 35. The good news is, in most cases, gum disease can be prevented or controlled.
