The Science of Tooth Decay

Decaying teeth are a common problem for humans. In fact, nine out of 10 adults over the age of 20 have some degree of tooth decay, and over 4 million people in the U.S. have braces. So, why do we have such bad teeth?

There are a number of factors that contribute to our dental problems. One is our diet. Our ancestors ate a diet that was much harder on our teeth than our modern diet. They ate a lot of tough, fibrous foods that required a lot of chewing. This helped to wear down our teeth and prevent cavities. Our modern diet, on the other hand, is much softer and easier to eat. This means that our teeth don't get as much wear and tear, which makes them more susceptible to cavities.

Another factor that contributes to our dental problems is our jaws. Our jaws have gotten smaller over time. This is due to a number of factors, including our diet and our lifestyle. Our ancestors had to chew a lot harder than we do, which helped to keep their jaws strong and large. Our modern lifestyle, on the other hand, is much less active, which means that our jaws don't get as much exercise. This can lead to smaller jaws, which can make it difficult for all of our teeth to fit properly.

Finally, our genes also play a role in our dental problems. Some people are simply more prone to cavities than others. This is due to a number of factors, including the type of bacteria that live in their mouths and the strength of their teeth.

So, what can we do to improve our dental health? There are a number of things we can do. First, we can make sure to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are not only good for our overall health, but they can also help to prevent cavities. Second, we can brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. We should also floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between our teeth. Finally, we should see our dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

By following these simple steps, we can help to improve our dental health and prevent cavities and other dental problems.

Here are some additional details about the factors that contribute to our dental problems:

Diet: Our diet plays a major role in our dental health. A diet that is high in sugar and carbohydrates can increase our risk of cavities. This is because bacteria in our mouths can use sugar to produce acids that attack our teeth.

Jaws: The size of our jaws also plays a role in our dental health. If our jaws are too small, it can be difficult for all of our teeth to fit properly. This can lead to crowding, which can make it difficult to clean our teeth and can increase our risk of cavities.

Genes: Our genes also play a role in our dental health. Some people are simply more prone to cavities than others. This is due to a number of factors, including the type of bacteria that live in their mouths and the strength of their teeth.

Here are some tips for improving our dental health:

Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush your teeth for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Floss once a day: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, which can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.