Can’t get your kids to be serious about their oral health? They might be more interested if they knew more about the mouth and teeth. Here are some cool fun facts to share:

Fact # 1:   No Two Tongues Are Alike

Forget fingerprints, if you want to see how truly unique you are, then stick out your tongue! It’s true – no two tongues are alike.

Fact # 2:  Americans Use 14 Million Gallons of Toothpaste Every Year!

It may only take a pea-sized dollop to get the job done, but those small squirts really add up. The toothpaste industry is really growing, with sales topping 1.6 billion last year alone.

Fact # 3:  You Make More Spit Than You Think

How much saliva does your mouth make? According to research, the average person makes 100,000 gallons of saliva (spit) in their lifetime.

Fact #4:  Cave Men Didn’t Get Cavities

I bet you thought that prehistoric man walked around missing a lot of their teeth. Well, this assumption is wrong!  Researchers have learned that not only did prehistoric man have stronger teeth than we do today, but they also benefited from a more diverse bacterial mix in their mouths, which helped them stave off cavities. Of course, the fact that they did not eat sugar-laden snacks and processed foods helped keep those pearly whites, well, whiter, didn’t hurt either.

Fact #5:  Tooth Enamel is the Strongest Tissue in the Body

Stronger than even your bones, tooth enamel is designed to last a lifetime.

Fact #6:  Blue is the Most Common Toothbrush Color

Find it hard to decide which color toothbrush to choose? If you are like most people, you will grab a blue one most often.

Fact #7: Cavities Are the Most Common Disease Found in Children

Even more common than a cold, cavities are a disease caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth.

Fact # 8:  Tooth Decay is Contagious

Yes, tooth decay is considered an infectious disease and the bacteria that causes it can be transmitted from person to person.

Fact #9:  Crocodiles Use Birds as Toothbrushes

Nile crocodiles (the biggest ones found on earth) brush their teeth in a very unique way: they hold their mouths open so that small birds can fly in a feast off of the bacteria found there. This helps keep their teeth healthy and strong.

Fact # 10: Researchers Are Looking at Ways to Regrow Lost Teeth

It may be a long way off, but scientists have been working at using stem cells to regrow actual teeth! The process is long and complicated, but the fact remains that someday many people think it will be possible. Amazing!

Kids aren’t always good about maintaining a good oral health routine. Helping them understand the importance of taking good care of their teeth includes lots of different strategies including brushing regularly; eating a well-balanced diet; seeing the dentist twice a year and of course, learning some fun facts to grab their attention.

Want to learn some interesting ways to get your kids to take better care of their teeth? Call Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment to find out more.