15 Fun Facts About Dental Hygiene That Will Make You Smile

Dental hygiene isn’t just about brushing and flossing—it's also full of fascinating facts that might surprise you! No need to be a dental expert, these fun dental tidbits will keep your smile healthy and informed.

1. Tooth Enamel Is Tougher Than Bone
Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, even stronger than your bones. But despite its strength, it's not indestructible—acidic foods and poor hygiene can wear it down.

2. Your Mouth Is Home to Billions of Bacteria
There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth—over 6 billion! Most are harmless, but daily brushing and flossing help keep the bad ones at bay.

3. Saliva Is a Natural Mouth Cleanser
The average person produces 1 to 2 liters of saliva a day. Saliva helps wash away food, fight germs, and protect your enamel.

4. Most People Don’t Brush Long Enough
The recommended brushing time is 2 full minutes, but the average person only brushes for about 45 seconds. Try setting a timer or playing your favorite song while brushing! Consider an electric toothbrush with a timer option.

5. Toothbrushes Have Come a Long Way
The earliest toothbrushes were twigs that people chewed on. Toothbrushes were also created in China c.1498 with bristles from hogs, horses and badger hairs.  Modern toothbrushes—with nylon bristles—were only introduced in the 1930s.

6. You Should Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3–4 Months
Worn-out bristles don’t clean your teeth as effectively and can even irritate your gums. Signs you need to replace your toothbrush: Fraying bristles, discoloration of bristles, bad smell or a recent sickness.

7.  Right-Handed? You Might Miss a Spot
Right-handed people tend to brush more thoroughly on the left side of their mouth, and vice versa. Be mindful of those tricky spots! Maybe challenge yourself and try using the other hand!!

8. Sugar-Free Gum Can Help Fight Cavities
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and clean the mouth naturally.  It’s a great option after a meal when brushing isn’t possible.

9. Smiling Is Good for Your Health
Smiling not only boosts your mood but also increases saliva production, which helps protect your teeth. Happy people live longer!

10. Every Set of Teeth Is Unique
Your dental structure is as unique as your fingerprint.  Each tooth, shape and size is unique to the person---even identical twins don’t have the same teeth.

11. Brushing Too Hard Can Hurt Your Gums
It’s a myth that harder brushing means cleaner teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure to protect your enamel and gums and remember over time the bristles will fray, wearing down becoming less effective in removing plaque.

12. Dental Floss Has Been Around for Centuries and Can Add Years to Your Life
While modern floss was patented in the 1800s, people have been cleaning between their teeth with makeshift tools for thousands of years. Flossing helps prevent gum disease, which has been linked to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.

13. Cavities Are More Common Than You Think
Tooth decay is the second most common disease in the world—second only to the common cold! Unfortunately, the leading chronic health problem in US children is tooth decay, affecting 46% of children are impacted.  Cavities are preventable with solid oral hygiene care.

14. Your Toothbrush Can Hold Millions of Germs
That’s why it’s important to rinse it thoroughly, store it upright, and keep it uncovered so it can air-dry properly. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months.

15. Strive to be one of the 75% of American Adults to Enjoy a Beautiful Smile
Roughly 25% of American Adults do not their teeth.  Good oral hygiene can reverse that statistic. Americans spend 50% more on haircare products then on dental care products! BE in the 75% that enjoy a beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Dental hygiene may be a daily habit, but it’s anything but boring. Understanding how your oral health works—and why it matters—can keep you motivated to care for your teeth and gums for years to come. So next time you reach for your toothbrush, smile—you’re taking part in a fascinating and vital ritual!  Plainsboro Dental Care values your smile and takes a gentle, personal touch to your oral care. Our office, opened in 1996 is pleased to be one of Plainsboro’s leading family practices.  Call us at 609-799-4422 to schedule an appointment today.