Interesting facts about dentists & dentistry =)

I found this interesting article in researchgate.net ^__^

The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
William F. Semple, a dentist from Mount Vernon , OH . was issued the first patent in 1869 for chewing gum.

In the old days when dentures weren't invented yet, dentists would do a quick surgery in implanting teeth in the mouth of a person. The teeth came from dead people!

Aztec dentists would mix iron fillings, water and navel lint bake and insert it in the cavities to seal it.

Dental health is quite intriguing. There are plenty of myths around that we blindly believe and follow. Dental health is a whole science in itself and there is a lot more to it than appears so. Here are some interesting facts that an average person does not know about dental health.

The commonly used practice of putting a cap on toothbrush is actually more detrimental.

The moisture entrapped in the cap favors bacterial growth.

You are not supposed to brush within 6 feet of a toilet. The airborne particles from the flush can travel up to a distance of 6 feet.

People who tend to drink 3 or more glasses of soda/pop daily have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others.

The first toothbrush with bristles was manufactured in China in 1498. Bristles from hogs, horses and badgers were used. The first commercial toothbrush was made in 1938.

Fluoridated toothpastes when ingested habitually by kids can lead to fluoride toxicity.
You are supposed to replace your toothbrush after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections. Notorious microbes can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection.

New born babies do not have tooth decay bacteria. Often, the bacteria are transmitted from mother to baby when she kisses the child or blows in hot food/drink before feeding the baby.