
Archeologists can tell us quite a bit about our primitive ancestors. For example, because of their coarse, abrasive diet and a primitive understanding of oral hygiene, their teeth had a rough go of it. They simply wore out faster — a contributing factor, no doubt, to their short life spans of thirty or forty years.
But thanks to improvements in lifestyle, healthcare and diet, people live much longer today. And so do their teeth, thanks to advances in dental care and disease prevention. While teeth still wear to some degree as we age, if we care for them properly with daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, we can keep that wear to a minimum. Teeth truly can last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, it's still all too common for people to lose their teeth prematurely. The main reason: the two most prevalent dental diseases, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Tooth decay arises from high concentrations of mouth acid that erode enamel, teeth's irreplaceable protective shell. Gum disease is an infection that damages the bone supporting tissues as it infiltrates deep below the visible gum line.
While they occur by different mechanisms, the two diseases have some commonalities. They both, of course, can lead to tooth loss. And, they're both triggered by oral bacteria found in dental plaque, a thin film of food particles built up on tooth and gum surfaces. Multiplying bacteria feed on plaque and produce acid as a by-product. And certain bacterial strains infect gum tissues.
Both of these diseases can be treated successfully, especially if detected early. But the better approach is to prevent them in the first place. This introduces another commonality — they share the same prevention strategy of daily, comprehensive brushing and flossing for plaque removal, regular dental cleanings and checkups, and a sharp eye for any signs of disease like bleeding gums or tooth pain.
With diligent dental care and close attention to your oral health, you increase your chances of avoiding the full threat of these diseases. And with healthy teeth, you have a better chance of living a long and healthy life.
If you would like more information on minimizing tooth wear, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How and Why Teeth Wear.”
Comments:

Patient Education
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
Tags
- dental implants (20)
- celebrity smiles (61)
- bridgework (1)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguard (2)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- dental anxiety (1)
- TMJ Pain (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- oral hygiene (21)
- pediatric care (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (16)
- Dentures (10)
- oral health (16)
- tooth grinding (1)
- orthodontics (7)
- retainers (5)
- bad breath (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- x-rays (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- crowns (4)
- teeth whitening (5)
- braces (7)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- pediatric dentistry (15)
- bulimia (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- veneers (4)
- nutrition (6)
- tooth decay (5)
- fluoride (2)
- missing teeth (3)
- mouth sores (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- sugar (1)
- dental crowns (3)
- dental bridges (2)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- toothache (2)
- tmj disorders (2)
- mouthguards (2)
- apioectomy (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- dental bonding (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- tooth loss (2)
- orthodontic treatment (15)
- bonding (1)
- jaw pain (4)
- tmj (3)
- gum disease (16)
- laser dentistry (2)
- headgear (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- cosmetic contouring (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- cancer (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- bone grafting (2)
- tooth pain (3)
- teeth grinding (2)
- diabetes (1)
- gum recession (2)
- oral cancer (2)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- facial pain (1)
- Damaged Teeth (1)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- smoking (2)
- thumb sucking (1)
- eating disorder (1)
- Dental Implant (4)
- apicoectomy (1)
- retainer (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- tooth wear (1)
- extraction (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- TMJ/TMD (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- Crowns and Bridges (2)
- root canal (1)
- fillings (1)
- Partial Dentures (1)
- Full Dentures (1)
- sealants (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- lingual braces (1)
- dental care (2)
- Dentist in Marietta GA (1)
- Bridges (1)