Brook Dental

It's always a good idea to put the cap back on your toothpaste so that it doesn't dry up. But don't encase the toothbrush. This will actually encourage the growth of bacteria by trapping moisture.

Did you know that bad teeth were considered a rich man's disease about 200 years ago? This was because only wealthy people could afford to buy sweets.

To help limit the spread of bacteria - and the common cold - in households, it is best for toothbrushes to be stored in individual places. Toothbrushes all stored in the same cup or holder can bump up against one another and transfer germs.

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.

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.

The world's oldest toothpaste formula, which was used more than 1,500 years before Colgate began marketing its brand in 1873, was discovered on a piece of dusty papyrus found in the basement of a Viennese museum.

Have you been avoiding coming in for a check-up because of a decayed tooth you're afraid needs to be pulled? Thanks to the advances in dental science, there may be a variety of options available that don't include losing the tooth.

For more than 50 years, water has been fluoridated successfully in the United States and has been credited with reducing tooth decay by 50 percent to 60 percent.

Did you know that severe toothaches can eventual lead to a swollen face? When this happens, make your appointment to see us as soon as possible. In the meantime, an ice pack can help with the swelling.

What were the first types of toothpicks made from? In additional to wood, toothpicks were also made from porcupine quills, chicken bones, ivory and gold or silver. While toothpicks were once used frequently to clean teeth, today we know that toothpicks should only be used in moderation.

Did you know that the most valuable tooth in the world belonged to Sir Issac Newton? It was purchased for $4,560 and used as a ring.

If your child has a problem with brushing his or her teeth, one of the best ways to make it more fun is to have your child brush yours. This can help your child overcome his or her fears about teeth brushing.

Why is nylon a preferred material for toothbrushes over animal hair? While animal hair was used to create some of the world's first toothbrushes, animal hair can provide a hospitable habitat for bacterial growth and is more difficult to clean than nylon.