Are we actually wiser without our wisdom teeth?

New research suggests that missing 3rd molars may have given some of our ancestors an evolutionary advantage.  Check out the article here!

Even if natural selection is not the first thing on your mind, today there are good reasons for getting your wisdom teeth out.  Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth crowding and pain.  Erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to reach when brushing and harbor nasty periodontal bacteria.  The recommended age for removing wisdom teeth is high school to the early college years, but it can be done at any time.  For your convenience, Circle C Dental is happy to work with Dr. David Burden to offer wisdom teeth extraction services right here in our office.  With IV sedation available, you can have a comfortable (and forgettable) experience.

Did you know?

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

Today, the average American will spend 38.5 total days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.  That's over a month of straight brushin'!

There are some pretty interesting (and bizarre) dental facts out there.  Unfortunately not all of these factoids are fun. 

Take for instance this statistic - 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from some form of gum disease.  Which makes sense when one considers that 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.  The sad fact is, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, 80% of people are not happy with their smile.

Fortunately, modern dentistry has come a long way in being able to address these problems.  From laser gum treatment that specifically targets and destroys periodontal bacteria to adult braces with tooth colored brackets designed to disappear into your smile while straightening your teeth in less than a year, there are now great solutions available so you can achieve a happy, healthy mouth.  And that's something to smile about.

Now how about one more (really weird) fact:

The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime.  That’s enough to fill 2 swimming pools! Yikes!