Quirky Dental Facts That May Surprise You

Chantilly cosmetic dental and tooth implants

In today’s Centreville Dental Wellness Center post, we share some fun facts about dentistry. Enjoy!

  • Many dental patients are aware that before there was formal dental training and licensing, barbers often performed dental procedures. But did you know that blacksmiths also moonlighted as dentists?1 How would you like your dental visit to involve tools used to hammer hot metal?
  • The Mayans were accomplished cosmetic dentists. One smile style in Mayan culture was bejeweled teeth – a procedure that involved the drilling of holes to embed precious gems. That’s a grill with major bling! 1
  • The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough to fill up two swimming pools.2 (Not a very pleasant image, right?)
  • Nylon toothbrush bristles weren’t introduced until 1938. Prior to that, pig hair was a common bristle material.3 (“Mom, my toothbrush smells like bacon!”)
  • A popular toothache treatment in medieval Germany was to kiss a donkey.3 There is no evidence that it actually worked and it is unknown if the same remedy was used by donkeys.
  • Every person’s tongue is unique – just like a fingerprint.4
  • In medieval Japan, black teeth were considered appealing. Style-conscious women used roots to stain their teeth.3

You won’t find pig hair, donkeys, or anvils at Centreville Dental Wellness Center. You will find premium dental care and our comfortable team of dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign®, and dental implants. Contact Centreville Dental Wellness Center today at 703-815-0775 to schedule an informative consultation.

1Gregory Myers,”10 Weird Facts About Teeth,” ListVerse, January 27, 2014, http://listverse.com/2014/01/27/10-weird-facts-about-teeth/, accessed on November 14, 2014
2Mouth Matters,” Visual.ly, August 28, 2012, http://visual.ly/your-mouth-matters-fun-dental-facts, accessed on November 14, 2014
3Chew on This, Fun Tooth Facts for a Healthy Mouth,” Delta Dental, http://www.deltadentalnc.org/MediaLibraries/Global/documents/Delta-Dental-Tooth-Tips-BF.pdf, accessed on November 12, 2014
4“New oral features can be considered unique as a fingerprint,” DentistryiQ, http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/new-oral-features-can-be-considered-unique-as-a-fingerprint.html, accessed on November 14, 2014

CONTACT CENTREVILLE DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

703-815-0775

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

14245F CENTREVILLE SQ
CENTREVILLE, VIRGINIA
20121

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What Our Patients Say

Am I an anxious dental patient? YES!!! BUT, I am so thankful for Centreville Dental Wellness Center. Walking in the front door for an appointment, I am ALWAYS welcomed so warmly by the staff. They have the brightest smiles and emit such positive energy, and it's obvious they enjoy their jobs and each other. So thankful for the dental hygienist who is super encouraging to me, reminds me to breathe and relax my shoulders (even when I'm not even aware how my body is reacting!) I've been forever impacted by Dr. Vakay's technician during dental procedures who has squeezed my hand to give me strength -- such a small gesture but so helpful that I've paid this forward many times for others who are anxious! Dr. Vakay is always supportive, encouraging and emits such strength herself that I believe her and trust her judgment and recommendations. I loved hearing her say at my last visit regarding her job, "it is my joy and my purpose." There is no doubt she is doing what she is called to do! AND with JOY!

Joyce M.

I went to see Dr Vakay to get a dental appliance for my sleep apnea and ended up switching to the office for my routine dental care as well. The whole staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they made me feel very comfortable and valued. I honestly have never received such a thorough cleaning before and my snoring has stopped. Very happy with my experience!

Mary K.

I broke a front tooth crown off at the gum line. Dr. Abel was able to see me within a couple of hours After assessing the damage he presented me with several options for a repair and devised a way to hold a temporary tooth in place. Permanent repair is scheduled. I couldnt be happier with the care I received.

Elaine M.

I just recently moved to Northern Virginia and Centreville Dental Wellness Center was recommended to me and also had great reviews online. My first appointment was 23Jun2023 and everyone from the ladies at the front desk to Dr. Abel and his assistant were outstanding. Thrilled to have found this amazing team!!

Nina A.

Dr Abel, the front desk, hygienist team and everyone in between is At. I have gone to CDWC for years and sometimes travel 2+ hours for a visit. They provide organized, and trustworthy service, but more importantly personable with their care.

J K.

Centreville Dental Wellness was and is an amazing place. I had multiple issues and they were very patient with me. They are very experienced and know their stuff. I love them all particularly Dr Abel who took a lot of time with me and made sure I was straight. I pray that God continues to bless them and their business.

Arlene D.

I highly recommend Centreville Dental Wellness Center! I always have a great, smooth experience here. Dr.s Vakay and Abel are outstanding dentists, professional as well as friendly and approachable. The staff is efficient, welcoming and caring. I've been patient for years and cannot say enough great things about this practice.

SZ

WOW! I look amazing!! ; My 2 front teeth were worn and chipped. It affected my smile and confidence. After the restorative (yet gentle) work by the team at Centreville Dental Wellness, I can truly say this practice is second to none! The crowns look so natural and I'm so glad I can smile again!! When my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas... said "my 2 front teeth" and thanks to the masterful cosmetic work done by Dr. Vacay and her assistant Christina, my Christmas wish came true! Gotta give a shout out to the friendly and supportive front office staff as well, Tonia, Sylvia and Sogand. Merry Christmas to all!!

Anastasia P.

Dr. Vakay and her team are excellent. They are careful, thorough, and attentive to the patient's concerns. They take the time to explain how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. I have always been completely satisfied.

Bruce S.

I've only ever been to one dentist, and don't have any plans to change that! Dr. Vakay, Dr. Abel, and the entire staff at Centreville Dental Wellness Center provide a patient experience that is both timelessly reliable and constantly improving. Recently, I came to them with jaw pain related to TMJ, and after real discussion concerning all my options, they set me up with a kois product that has eliminated the pain and dramatically improved my range of motion. It's been a true success story!

Jake W.

Ok, this is the first review I have EVER written. This morning I had a procedure done by Dr. Vakay with her assistant Christina, that was, without exception, the best experience at a dentist office I have ever encountered. The professionalism and expertise between these two was nothing short of a 'dance." | felt that seamless interaction, put me at ease. The front desk is wonderful to work with. I left another practice in Haymarket because of the way they handled the financial. I have great dental insurance and was told as I was sitting in the chair, that the doctor would not do the procedure unless I gave them a credit card. At which point I demanded to see the doctor and told him I was aghast at his greater interest in getting paid than my teeth and walked out. This is how a dental office should run, and they have hit a very high mark as the daughter of an orthodontist. Bravo Team Centreville Wellness.

Megan M.

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