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.
The Cut and Paste Job: Barber-Surgeons and Dental Duties
During the Middle Ages, "barber-surgeons" not only cut hair and performed surgeries but also extracted teeth. The red and white striped pole outside barber shops today is a relic of this history, representing blood and bandages. Barber-surgeons were an interesting...
Grin and Bare It: Embracing Yaeba’s Quirky Charm
In Japan, there's a tradition called "Yaeba," where some people intentionally pay to have their teeth unstraightened because it's considered cute and youthful. Yaeba, a term originating from Japan, refers to the dental aesthetic of having slightly protruded and...
Bite Here to Register
Like your fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins have different “dental fingerprints”!
This IS My Happy Face
The stone-faced farmer in artist Grant Wood’s famous “American Gothic” painting was actually the artist’s dentist! (Dr. Byron McKeeby)
4,999,999 and Counting
Sports-related injuries account for approximately 5 million missing teeth per year, so make sure you wear a mouth guard, if you or your little ones are athletes.
Sexy, or Not?
Americans spend $100 billion per year on hair care products – and only $2 billion a year on dental care products. What good is great hair without a great smile?
Just TRY Flossing With It Though
The cotton candy making machine that made widely consumed cotton candy possible was co-invented by a dentist. Before it was cotton candy, the fluffy confection was called “fairy floss.” (So, either he was drumming up some dental patients, or this was "dentist number...
Donkey Choppers!?
Contrary to popular belief, George Washington’s famous dentures weren’t made from wood. His four pairs of custom choppers were crafted from gold, ivory, lead and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth (take care of yours and you won’t have to think about...
No Smile? We Have Plenty to Spare
Children smile about 400 times a day.
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.