Even the early Greeks and Romans knew the importance of oral hygiene. Back then, they used crushed bone and oyster shells to abrasively clean their teeth. Granted, tooth enamel is the hardest surface in the human body. But the Roman technique did seem a bit harsh. Maybe somebody should have told them that sesame seeds are not only a good source of calcium, but can also reduce plaque and build enamel. Luckily for us modern folks, we have had a quite a few more palatable alternatives for dental care since the 19th century when toothpaste and tooth powder was developed.
When it comes to taking care of our teeth and gums, there are many preventative measures we can all take to maintain our oral health. For starters, drinking three or more sugary drinks each day may lead to more than 62 percent more teeth decay. If not properly treated, tooth decay can lead to cavities, which lead to fillings, potentially a root canal, and even tooth loss. Twice daily brushing, regular flossing, and rinsing are also mandates we should all adhere to. If, however, you have had a little too much coffee or imbibed in a little too much red wine, the effects could also manifest on your teeth. In these instances, teeth whitening staten island procedures performed by a dentist Staten Island may be your only remedy. Although teeth whitening procedures are important for an attractive smile (and Americans who spend $1.4 billion on teeth whitening each year would agree), regular visits to a dentist Staten Island or dentist Old Bridge NJ are necessary for a lifetime of oral health.
Oral health problems can rear their ugly head in other ways, too. Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, for example, can be indicative of a more serious and underlying condition such as decay and gum disease. As such, more than half of all American adults visit a dentist at least once each year. A partial explanation for this relatively unimpressive number is a fear called odontophobia, which is a phobia of the dentist as defined by the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Of those who do visit the dentist Staten Island, the causes vary. In addition to routine check ups and cleanings from a dentist Staten Island, cavities and gum disease are common complaints. A New Jersey dentist or Staten Island dental clinic can help identify the early stages of gum disease, which can be very treatable if diagnosed early.
When it comes to tooth loss, a dentist Staten Island may have to consider dental implants Staten Island. Although most tooth loss to people under the age of 35 is due to injury or trauma, for many others, tooth loss is due to preventable conditions that could have been alleviated by a visit to a dentist Staten Island. A dental implant is an involved procedure. The implant is placed into the bone socket by an experienced dentist Staten Island and over the next few months, the jawbone heals and grows around the implant, making it secure to the jaw.
Good oral health is also linked to overall general health. In fact, gum disease has been linked to heart disease and pancreatic cancer. In addition to the routines you can do at home (brushing, flossing, etc.) a routine visit to a dentist Staten Island will also provide early detection if something, such as oral cancer, is suspected. A dentist Staten Island will tell you that mouth cancer is highly curable if diagnosed early.
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