The Next Big Idea Daily Reality Bites: Why Your Teeth Matter More Than You Think
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Aug 8, 2025 In this engaging discussion, zoologist and author Bill Schutt, known for his work 'Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth', delves into the evolutionary significance of teeth. He argues that teeth have played a crucial role in the dominance of vertebrates for over 500 million years. Schutt shares fascinating insights into how teeth evolved, their dietary implications, and even speculates on a future where dental practices may change dramatically. Discover the hidden stories teeth can tell about our history and what this means for oral health care.
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Teeth Drive Vertebrate Success
- Teeth evolved about 500 million years ago and were key to vertebrates' dominance on Earth.
- Their shapes and functions rapidly diversified enabling animals to exploit new diets and environments.
Teeth Inform More Than Species
- Teeth are abundant fossils due to their hardness and ability to fossilize well.
- They reveal not only species identity but also diet, ecology, and climate information.
George Washington's Denture Story
- George Washington had very poor teeth and owned multiple dentures made from materials like ivory and human teeth.
- Some teeth in his dentures were bought from enslaved people, highlighting uncomfortable dental history.
