Let’s be honest—when most people think about the dentist, they picture cleanings, fillings, and maybe a gentle reminder to floss more often. For most, dental visits are all about staying cavity-free, keeping your teeth clean, and making sure your gums aren’t too angry at you. But here’s the thing: the world of teeth is way weirder (and far more fascinating) than most people realize.
At our office, we love sharing helpful tips and practical dental advice—but sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up. So today, we’re taking a detour from the usual “brush and floss” reminders and diving into the strangest, funniest, and most unexpected dental facts we could find. You’re about to see teeth in a whole new light—and maybe gain a new appreciation for that smile of yours.
1. George Washington’s Dentures Weren’t Made of Wood
Let’s get this one out of the way first, because it’s probably the most common (and inaccurate) dental myth out there. Despite what you might have learned in school, George Washington’s dentures were not made of wood.
In reality, his false teeth were crafted from a rather disturbing combination of materials—like ivory, gold, lead, and even human teeth (yes, really). Some of the teeth were reportedly purchased from enslaved individuals, making this fact not only bizarre but also unsettling. If that doesn’t make you grateful for modern dental implants and dentures, we don’t know what will.
2. Tooth Enamel Is the Hardest Substance in Your Body
You probably already know your bones are pretty tough—but did you know that your tooth enamel is even tougher? It’s the hardest substance in the human body, designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily chewing.
That said, enamel is not invincible. It can’t regenerate once it’s worn down, and habits like chewing on ice, drinking sugary sodas, or using your teeth as tools (please don’t) can damage it over time. So yes, when your dentist warns you about those habits, they’re looking out for the strongest—and most irreplaceable—part of your smile.
3. Sharks Grow Thousands of Teeth… in Their Lifetime
If you’ve ever envied someone with naturally perfect teeth, wait until you hear about sharks. These toothy predators can grow and shed 30,000+ teeth over the course of their lives. When one tooth falls out, another one quickly moves forward to take its place.
Sharks basically have conveyor belts of teeth—and they never run out. Can you imagine never needing braces, fillings, or root canals, because your body just replaces your teeth like clockwork? Evolution really did them a solid.
4. Ancient Toothpaste Was… Questionable
Before minty-fresh toothpaste came along, oral hygiene was a very different experience. Ancient Egyptians used a blend of crushed eggshells, pumice, ashes, and myrrh to scrub their teeth clean. Romans, never ones to shy away from extreme solutions, actually used urine in their dental routines because of its natural ammonia content, which helped whiten teeth.
So the next time you’re feeling picky about your toothpaste flavor, just remember—at least it’s not urine.
5. Teeth Can’t Heal Themselves
Your skin can heal. Your bones can heal. But your teeth? Not so much. Once tooth enamel is damaged or decay sets in, your teeth can’t regenerate the way other tissues do.
That’s why regular dental checkups and early interventions are so important. A tiny cavity today can turn into a much bigger (and more expensive) problem tomorrow. Your dentist isn’t being dramatic—they’re just trying to save your tooth before it’s too late.
6. Some People Are Born With Extra Teeth
While most people have 32 permanent teeth, there are some rare cases where individuals are born with extra teeth—a condition known as hyperdontia. These extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth, can show up anywhere in the mouth and may need to be removed if they cause crowding, discomfort, or alignment issues.
And yes, it’s just as wild as it sounds. Imagine discovering a surprise molar or incisor years after your last baby tooth fell out!
7. Your Teeth Are as Unique as Your Fingerprints
You’ve heard that no two fingerprints are the same—but did you know the same goes for your teeth? Even identical twins have distinct dental patterns. The alignment, shape, and spacing of your teeth are so unique that forensic investigators often use dental records to identify remains.
So when we say your smile is one-of-a-kind, we’re not just being poetic—it’s scientifically true.
8. The Average Person Spends 38.5 Days Brushing Their Teeth
Over a typical lifetime, the average person spends about 38.5 days brushing their teeth. That’s over a month of dedicated dental hygiene.
Is it a lot? Maybe. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If that small daily investment means fewer cavities, less dental work, and fresher breath—count us in.
9. Tooth Worms Were Once Blamed for Cavities
Back in the day—waaaay back—people didn’t know about bacteria or plaque. So when they experienced toothaches or decay, they came up with their own explanations. One widespread belief was that tiny worms were burrowing into teeth, causing pain and destruction.
This bizarre (but kind of creative) theory existed across many ancient cultures, from the Babylonians to medieval Europeans. We can laugh now, but hey—they were doing their best with the knowledge they had.
Still Think Teeth Are Boring After These Dental Facts?
Teeth may be small, but they come with some big (and bizarre) stories. Whether it’s ancient toothpaste ingredients or shark teeth envy, the world of dentistry has a rich—and sometimes wacky—history.
At the end of the day, your smile is something to take seriously… but not too seriously. So the next time you’re in our chair, feel free to ask us for a weird dental fact or two—we’ve got plenty more where this came from.
And hey, keep brushing (with toothpaste, not ashes).