Tooth wear is considered a bad thing in the modern era. It can be painful and unsightly. Furthermore, a 2019 analysis of 706 studies involving tooth wear associated it with sleep disorders, oro-facial pain, oral dryness, GERD, and sleep bruxism (tooth grinding). However, several lines of research conclude that tooth wear, even in childhood, may be an evolutionary survival strategy. Especially as it pertains to proper jaw growth. The story is a little complicated, so I want to give you a little background and then explain how tooth wear may have been beneficial during our evolution.
Read MoreMost of us assume that dental plaque is terrible; it causes cavities and gum disease, and encouraging its eradication is widely accepted. Scientists have determined that plaque bacteria can ferment processed carbohydrates and sugars into acids that cause decay. But, observations of populations who eat diets high in unprocessed carbohydrates, even when they don’t brush, have little to no decay. 1 Indeed, our dental plaque has been residing in human mouths since the beginning, and archaeology has proven that it only causes problems when processed carbs enter the diet. Plaque is necessary and healthy when we eat correctly. It produces many beneficial substances. Today, I will cover some nitrogen-containing chemicals plaque produces to help us survive and thrive.
Read MoreI spend so much time talking about the dangers of processed carbohydrate consumption, I have neglected to talk much about the elephant in the room, cigarette smoking. I think I just assumed that people understand the perils of smoking. Perhaps I was mistaken. Keep in mind that cigarette smoking is different from vaping. But if you are a smoker, are you aware of how bad it is for your body? Your Mouth? Read on if you are curious.
Read MoreOne of my central warnings on this site is we must avoid eating processed carbohydrates to stave off disease and optimize our health. I have written about it so much that I believed everyone who reads my posts understands what they are. Recently, I have spoken to people who think processed carbs are donuts and cake, not bagels and sandwiches. This post is dedicated to them and all who need a reminder about what processed carbohydrates are, and why they should be avoided. If you don't want to read the whole thing, skip to the end, where I tell you how to identify them and list the most common sources of processed carbs.
Read MoreSadly, many people avoid going to the dentist, but when teeth start hurting, their motivation goes up. Unfortunately, waiting until you have a toothache is like trying to fix the roof while it is raining. Today I am going to talk about tooth pain in all of its varieties and what you should do about it.
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