Throughout the bulk of human history, tooth decay has been a major health issue. With the establishment of sugar plantations in the 1700s, dental cavities took on near-epidemic proportions, resulting in more tooth loss and diseases of the mouth. In the 1930s, NIH (National Institutes of Health) scientist Dr. H. Trendley Dean performed experiments showing that the chemical fluoride helped prevent dental caries in children’s teeth. In 1942 a National Institutes of Health study of 7,000 children showed that fluoride, in controlled amounts, was enough to minimize tooth decay without causing discoloration of the teeth, also known as dental fluorosis. Since then, the use of fluoride has been a hot topic of discussion with overall consensus that it is of great benefit to people of all ages in helping prevent dental decay. Of course, we now know that regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing cavities, as well.

When it comes to decay, the most vulnerable areas are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Because these areas are often hard to reach with a regular toothbrush and floss, they require more intensive preventive care.

The term "dental sealant" or "tooth sealant" refers to a plastic resin that the dentist bonds to the grooves of the chewing surface of the back teeth. This sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and decay-causing bacteria.  These bacteria are often found in dental plaque, a naturally–occurring film that accumulates on the teeth over time. The longer the dental plaque remains untended on the teeth, the more bacteria will grow and the more likely a cavity will develop. Brushing helps eliminate some of the plaque that builds up on the tooth surface, but brushing alone cannot rid the mouth of all plaque. Molars are especially difficult to reach. The grooves and fissures of these teeth are particularly deep and narrow, making them hard to clean with a thick-bristled brush.  Additionally, these grooves tend have a thinner layer of enamel, making them vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria. Sealing these grooves creates a smoother surface much more difficult for bacteria to penetrate.

We agree with the American Dental Association that sealants should be applied as soon as the first adult molars erupt, around age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be applied with each new adult molar that appears. All back teeth that need to be sealed are usually present by age 13. Sealant application is fast and painless. There are no needles or numbing of the mouth involved! It is a simple process of painting the sealant into the grooves and fissures of the back teeth and then allowing the sealant to dry and harden, creating a secure barrier between the tooth enamel and those nasty bacteria.

Plaque and the Importance of Flossing

Plaque is the gummy, sticky layer of bacteria that is constantly accumulating on your teeth. Usually it is imperceptible to the naked eye, but when a person is not brushing and flossing properly it can build up to a thick whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. If not removed, the excess of plaque can lead to gum disease.

Flossing on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to ward off the damaging effects of plaque. Flossing is simple if done correctly. However, many people do not have a proper flossing technique, so although they may be flossing regularly, they are not fully gaining the benefits of this simple habit. 

Dental floss is intended to clean by scrubbing the plaque off the teeth at the gum line. Effective flossing is not achieved by simply placing the floss between the teeth. Successful flossing is achieved by placing the floss between the teeth and then pulling it up against each side of the tooth and scrubbing as much of the tooth surface as possible. Successful flossing involves scraping the tooth as mush as you can at and below the gum line, since this is where the most damaging layers of plaque accumulate. Keep in mind that adequate pressure is required for the best results. For people with gum disease, flossing is not only recommended, it is absolutely imperative in order to improve the overall health of your mouth!

An indication that gum disease may already be present is bleeding or tender gums. However, a full oral exam may be required to diagnose the exact problem. The solution to bleeding and/or tender gums may be as simple as a thorough dental cleaning, but this condition could be an indication of something more serious such as periodontal or endodontic disease.  

Impact On Total Health Of Tooth Loss...

For most of human history the loss of teeth, also known as edentulism, has been considered a natural part of the aging process, and dentures were considered an inevitable outcome of growing older. With scientific advancements in the medical and dental fields, however, dentures don't necessarily have to be the only thing to look forward to as we age. Getting older, though, does mean we must be even more diligent about oral health care, as gum disease and tooth loss continue to be a very real problem for many aging Americans.
 
Tooth loss in the elderly and aging is most commonly caused by periodontal disease (gum and bone disease). Studies show that periodontal disease has a high statistical correlation with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. In fact, recent studies indicate a shortened life expectancy—as much as 10 years—for people who have lost their natural teeth, when compared to those who have maintained their teeth.  One issue here is that the functionality of dentures may impede the chewing mechanism, thus making it more difficult to obtain proper nutrition through food sources. These nutritional deficiencies in turn contribute to many health-related problems, including tooth loss. There is no doubt that nutritional deficits contribute to loss of natural teeth, but also that tooth loss is a major contributing factor when it comes to obtaining proper nutrition. It can be a painful and often depressing cycle.

Additionally, losing just a single tooth can lead to a loss of structural support.  Remaining teeth will sometimes drift into the empty space, causing changes in your bite and the integrity of your jaw. Losing just one tooth may also force the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, sometimes beyond their ability to compensate. In many cases, when one tooth is lost the remaining teeth are compromised and the risk of losing those healthy teeth increases.
  
Loss of teeth often causes feelings of incompleteness and a sense of helplessness, which can alter your self-image and self-esteem. Many people will isolate themselves out of embarrassment or shame, or simply because their dentures are ill fitting and unstable, which can lead to embarrassing social situations. We believe that preservation of the natural teeth is crucial to whole-body well being. 

The Effect Of Diet On Dental Health