You may think teeth are made of bone, they are not, rather they are formed by several layers of tissues which vary in their strength and density. Teeth are small white (sometimes) calcified structures, which are found in the mouth or jaw of vertebrates and are used to chew or tear food with, other uses are hunting or defense.
The teeth of mammal species last a very long time and are most distinctive. Fossil species are studied by Paleontologists to identify what and who they may be related to. Diet will determine the shape of animals teeth, if your diet is plant based you are a herbivore, plants are hard to digest, you need molars for chewing, if you kill your prey you will need to tear the meat and you need your canine teeth for this as you are a carnivore.
Mammals develop two sets of teeth. In humans, the first set (the “baby,” “milk,” “primary” or “deciduous” set) normally starts to appear at about six months of age, although some babies are born with one or more visible teeth, known as neonatal teeth. Normal tooth eruption at about six months is known as teething and can be painful.
Some animals develop only one set of teeth, while others develop many sets. Sharks, for example, grow a new set of teeth every two weeks to replace worn teeth. Rodent incisors grow and wear away continually through gnawing, which helps maintain relatively constant length. The industry of the beaver is due in part to this qualification. Many rodents such as voles (but not mice) and guinea pigs, as well as rabbits, have continuously growing molars in addition to incisors
Toothpaste is used to assist your mouth’s hygiene, as it is abrasive it aids the removal of dental plaque and food debris from your teeth, it also aids fresh breath and delivers active ingredients, fluoride and others to prevent tooth and gum disease (gingivitis). Toothpaste is a gel or paste used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain tooth health. The toothbrush does most of the cleaning, not the toothpaste or gel. It is important to remember that most toothpaste contain trace amounts of chemicals, these chemicals can be toxic if ingested, so please do not swallow your toothpaste.
Periodontal disease is caused by microorganisms, that stick and grow on the surface of the tooth, another factor to consider is an over active immune response which can also play a part. Periodontal disease, the inflammatory diseases that affect the tissues supporting the teeth. if left alone and untreated could lead to loss of teeth.
A diagnosis of periodontal disease is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe (i.e. a clinical exam) and by evaluating the patient’s x-ray films (i.e. a radio-graphic exam), to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth. Specialists in the treatment of periodontal disease are periodontists; their field is known as “periodontics”.
Periodontal disease basically is inflammation around the teeth and gum’s.
Symptoms and signs
Red, painful and swollen gums plus much plaque is the signal for periodontitis.
To often periodontal disease has taken hold and progressed without people noticing and seeking treatment. The following may be an indicator in these symptoms:
Biting into hard food, nuts fruit etc., gums that are red or bleeding following the use of dental floss or brushing the teeth. These things may also occur with gingivitis.
Gum swelling that recurs
Halitosis, or bad breath, and a persistent metallic taste in the mouth
“Too much brushing of the teeth” could result in apparent lengthening of teeth. (This may also be caused by heavy handed brushing)
A toothbrush that is to hard.
Collagen destroying enzymes, which over time will cause deep pockets between teeth and gum’s.
Loose teeth, in the later stages (though this may occur for other reasons as well)
Patients should realize that the inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontal disease in that patient.
Did you know:
Smoking is another factor that increases the occurrence of periodontal disease, directly or indirectly, and may interfere with or adversely affect its treatment.
Although the primary cause of both gingivitis and periodonititis is the microbic plaque that adheres to the tooth surface, there are many other modifying factors. Left alone microbic plaque forms calculus, often referred to as tartar which must be removed by the dental hygienist above and below the gum line.
A high risk factor is your genetic susceptibility, along with several diseases and condition that can affect and influence the occurrence of periodontal disease.
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