Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
|December 3, 2015
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss do not have to go hand in hand, in fact if you are a good candidate for dental implants, Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss may not even be an issue.
The top cause of tooth decay is the bacteria that naturally form in your mouth. They can result in a clear, sticky substance known as plaque. Plaque feeds on the sugars in the food you eat and, left untreated, can lead to cavities. However, with proper brushing, flossing, and professional dental care by your La Jolla dentist, you can reduce your chances of tooth decay, which may ultimately lead to tooth loss.
History of Modern Dental Care
There was a time in history when people didn’t think much about tooth care and decay. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that we began to realize the importance of toothbrushes and toothpaste.
During World War II, approximately 17 million Americans age 45 and older were without their natural teeth due to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Tooth loss was the most common reason for draft rejection. Daily tooth brushing wasn’t common in the States until soldiers returning home brought the concept with them.
Because dental disease was one of the most common U.S. health problems in the 1940s, Proctor and Gamble set about creating fluoride toothpaste. Along with Du Pont’s introduction of the nylon bristle toothbrush in the late 1930s, dental care was fast becoming an important part of daily life.
By the 1950s, softer bristle brushes became popular. Then the 1960s ushered in the electric toothbrush. Today, news from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that tooth decay and tooth loss have dropped since the 1960s.
Untreated Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
The most common reason for tooth loss is poor oral hygiene. Talk to your San Diego dentist and he’s likely to tell you that flossing and brushing daily is the first step in protecting your teeth and gums against tooth decay and tooth loss. In addition, it’s vital to get regular professional dental checkups from your La Jolla dentist.
However, watching what you consume can help keep your teeth healthy as well. Sugars, citrus, and carbohydrates all can create havoc for your teeth and gums and lead to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and eventually tooth loss.
Any part of your tooth can decay, from the chewing surface of the tooth down to the area below the gum line. Learning proper dental care techniques are essential to good oral health. Talk to your dental hygienist or San Diego dentist about the right way to brush and floss as well as the proper dental equipment to use.
Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss doesn’t have to happen. Call your dentist who can determine if you are a good fit for dental implants. Call or click now.