(NAPSI)—Regarded by many as one of the oldest medical professions, dentistry has been practiced for thousands of years. Over the last century, dentistry has advanced from triaging decaying teeth to focusing on preventive care. Practice and study have built dentists’ understanding of how oral hygiene affects not only the mouth, but many different facets of health.
Understanding tooth decay’s roots
Many may be surprised to hear that toothbrushing only began to be widely adopted in the 1940s as a grooming routine to improve the look of teeth. It wasn’t established until the 1960s that bacteria in plaque caused tooth decay, and brushing was the best way to fight plaque.
In modern dentistry, it is understood that plaque is a living bacterial biofilm, which contains bacteria that feed on sugar. These bacteria create acids that degrade and destroy teeth over time, resulting in cavities. Today, dentists recommend brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist at least once a year for preventive care (and for some with certain medical conditions, up to four times a year).
Minerals’ role in fortifying teeth
In the early 1900s, products such as tooth powder were popular before the toothpaste commonly sold today. These powders contained abrasive ingredients including calcium carbonate, powdered charcoal, or baking soda. Vitamins and minerals taken specifically for oral health didn’t come about until the early 1900s, when fluoride began to be used in tooth powders to prevent decay.
Today, fluoride is in most toothpaste on the market. Additionally, dentists apply fluoride to patients’ teeth in the form of foam, gel, or varnish during checkups. Fluoride is particularly important for children, since their teeth need extra protection as they grow.
Treating the mouth as the gateway to the body
Though gum disease has been observed throughout history, it wasn’t until modern dentistry that it was understood to cause other health complications. In addition to causing gum inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss, gum disease is linked to respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and diabetic complications.
Pulling teeth: the rise of modern dental implants
Early in the 1900s, it was not a priority to protect and keep original teeth; often, decaying teeth were simply pulled. Today, dentists use implants to replace severely decayed or damaged teeth. Modern implants attach firmly in place and are topped with a crown that looks and acts like a natural tooth.
Planning for a healthy future
“The best way to maintain healthy teeth, limit tooth decay, and avoid implants is to maintain an oral health care routine,” said Dr. Greg Theis, Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental of Wisconsin. “In keeping with the latest research, many insurers, including Delta Dental of Wisconsin, have introduced plans with extended benefits for those who need them most.”
For example, for those with an intellectual or developmental disability, the Special Health Care Needs Benefit provides additional dental office visits, cleanings, and treatment modifications for patient comfort. The Evidence-Based Integrated Care Plan includes extra dental benefits for those with diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, pregnancy, and other medical conditions.
Dentistry has radically evolved over the last century. Today, people can benefit from years of study and access to modern care with providers to help maintain their best oral health.
"“The best way to maintain healthy teeth, limit tooth decay, and avoid implants is to maintain an oral health care routine,” said Dr. Greg Theis, Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental of Wisconsin."
