Weird Dental Facts
Exploring the Quirky and Curious World of Dentistry
We’ve collected the most bizarre, surprising, and downright strange stories from the world of dentistry. These weird dental facts will make you think twice the next time you pick up your toothbrush — and maybe even laugh a little.
Real vampire teeth aren’t just the stuff of myths — they’re a rare dental phenomenon with real-world causes. Uncover the condition behind fang-like canines and the vampire legends they may have inspired. It’s one of our most talked-about posts!
Just click on the IMAGE to see more!
From the truth behind real vampire teeth to strange saliva tricks and ancient toothpaste trivia, these Weird Dental Facts uncover the curious side of oral health — with stories you won’t find in most textbooks.
Bye, Ma! (Shark Week Fact 5)
Sharks are born with complete sets of teeth and swim away from their mother to fend for themselves.
That Would Keep The Tooth Fairy Busy (Shark Week Fact 4)
Venice, FL is known worldwide as the Shark Tooth Capital. Ten million years ago, when Florida was submerged under water, the area was teeming with sharks. Thus, it holds a bountiful cache of fossilized sharks teeth. Megalodon tooth. Photo Credit: Robin Draper.
Look Ma, No Cavities (Shark Week Fact 3)
Sharks do not suffer from cavities. They don't brush or floss, but they also eat a diet perfectly suited to them. It is additionally interesting to note that shark teeth were recently discovered to contain fluoride.
Sharkey’s Machine (Shark Week Dental Fact 2)
New teeth are constantly being formed in rows in a shark’s jaw. A shark typically loses at least one tooth per week. (They may get stuck in prey and become broken, or get knocked out during a feeding frenzy.)
Shark Week Dental Fact 1
In honor of "Shark Week" (Discovery Channel) here's our latest Weird Dental Fact: The biggest shark species has the smallest teeth. The 12 meter long whale shark (that's a little over 39 feet) can feature between 300 and 350 rows of teeth at a time -- each only 3mm...
Smile, and say “Cheese!”
Certain cheeses including Aged Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack, have been found to protect teeth from decay. Why, you ask? Because eating cheese increases the production of alkaline saliva and neutralizes acid in the mouth. It also creates a protective layer...
Hey Bud. Wanna Buy Some Teeth?
In the 18th century people would sell their teeth to the rich, who then used them to make false teeth. Weirdly enough, one can still buy human teeth today -- but these are typically used for practice by dental students.
Side Effects Include Death?
A dental infection can kill you. Weird? Perhaps. But also true. A toothache left untreated can, over time, develop an abscess. (An abscess is an infection that fills with pus and debris.) Periodontal disease, left untreated, can also develop an abscess over time....
Suffering From the Common Cavity?
Tooth Decay is the 2nd most common disease in the U.S. after the common cold. (And may just be the most common and widespread disease of humankind.) Widely considered common: Many organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute...
These weird dental facts are just the beginning. Keep checking back as we uncover even more strange, funny, and fascinating discoveries from the dental world.
Want to explore more about oral health from a trusted source? Visit the American Dental Association’s research section.
