Total Family Dentistry of St James

In the Dark Ages, there was a belief that replacing a lost tooth with someone else's tooth would cause the lost tooth to grow back. Strangely enough, teeth that were derived from hanged criminals were believed to be the most effective.

What are a few common habits which can cause serious dental problems over time? Chewing on pencils, ice or other hard objects, cleaning teeth with toothpicks, grinding teeth or clenching the jaw, nail biting and brushing too hard.

One age old belief about teeth and dreams is that if you dream you cut new teeth, it is a sign that news about the birth of a child will soon be heard, and that this child will go on to do great things in theatre.

As early as 201 A.D., the Romans were dental experts. They used gold crowns, fixed bridgework, and a paste made of ground eggshells and honey to clean their teeth.

According to historians, the earliest dentist known by name was Hesi-Re, who lived in Egypt more than 5,000 years ago.

Although some commercials state that it's only necessary to brush teeth twice daily, this isn't quite true. Ideally, brushing teeth after each meal will get rid of bacteria before it has time to settle in.

What are the major causes of tooth loss in people under 35 years of age? Sporting activities, fights and accidents. While fights and accidents are impossible to predict, regular sports players can protect their teeth - and reduce risks for tooth loss - with protective equipment.

Left untreated, cavities can cause significant pain. Once the bacteria eat through your enamel, the exposed nerves will begin to send pain sensations when in contact with hot or cold temperatures.

Did you know that brushing your teeth after each meal could actually help you lose weight? For some, brushing their teeth is a psychological signal that food time is over and cravings may stop. Now you can do something good for your teeth and your waistline at the same time.

Did you know that diet sodas are just as damaging to your tooth enamel as regular sodas are? This is because of the carbonic acid present in both types of soft drinks.

Archaeologists have recovered artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. that were used as primitive toothbrushes. The first type of toothbrush was nothing more than a twig that was chewed on and manipulated to remove food.

What are a few common superstitions about teeth? That a large space between the teeth is an indication of someone who does not tell the truth while wide front teeth are an indication of someone who is generous.

Did you know that every person has a unique tongue print? Just like fingerprints, no two people have the same tongue print - that includes identical twins. However, scanning fingerprints is currently preferred to scanning and recording tongue prints.