Dental-Related Tidbits and Fun Facts

Dental-Related Tidbits and Fun Facts

Did you know that the stern-faced farmer who American artist Grant Wood used as the model for his famous painting "American Gothic" was actually his dentist? Yes, it's true.

A Few Other Random, Dental-Related Tidbits
  • The first chewing gum was "chicle"—sap from Sapodilla trees. Chicle dates back to Aztec times when people boiled and cut it into blocks for chewing.
  • You may have once heard that George Washington's false teeth were made of wood. They weren't. They were made of ivory, lead, and hippopotamus teeth.
  • The average person produces 100,000 gallons of saliva during their lifetime—enough to fill 200 bathtubs!
  • Before toothbrushes, people used shredded twigs to clean their teeth.
  • An average person exerts 30-40 pounds of pressure per square inch with their jaw muscles.
  • One in 2,000 babies is born with some teeth already grown in. Usually, these extra teeth can be pulled and the child will still grow a full set of baby teeth.
  • During the middle ages, some people believed that kissing a donkey would relieve a toothache, and that stealing someone's tooth could help them grow a new one of their own. Silly folks.
  • Rabbit's and squirrel's teeth never stop growing. They continuously wear them down by gnawing on whatever is handy.

ROBIN LARSON, D.M.D., P.A.

Are you experiencing tooth pain or discomfort? We're here for you. Call us today to schedule an urgent visit or routine checkup.

Call Us 352-331-4080 Fax 352-332-6694 220 NW 76th Drive, Ste.A Gainesville, FL 32607

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