Leave It To Beavers: What They Can Teach Humans About Dental Health
Busy little beavers are not getting tooth decay, even though no special fluoridated water is drunk and they don't brush their teeth. Humans need to learn their secrets! After many years without brushing teeth, individuals would have a mouth full of problems. You may be surprised to find the real reason beavers have good oral health.
Different Enamel
The pigmented enamel of a beaver contains iron that makes teeth more resistant to acid and harder than regular (human) enamel, even if the teeth are treated with fluoride. The material surrounding the layers of hydroxylapatite nanowires are the core of enamel.
However, research has discovered the area of material surrounding the nanowires contain rich minerals including magnesium and iron. This is what controls the mechanical properties and acid resistance. Discoveries showed how regular human enamel provides minority ions of magnesium, but in the enamel of beavers and rodents, the ion consist of iron.
The difference in human and rodent's teeth are the rodents maintain a reddish-brown color with the presence of iron. Also, the beaver's teeth are chemically, not structurally different. By focusing on the nanowires, the dental professionals can now improve current treatments with fluoride.
More About Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a breakdown due to bacteria and is one of the most common major public health issues, even with the treatment of fluoride. The researchers tested teeth before and after acid exposure. The results provided with this study indicate new topical solutions or types of toothpaste may strengthen human teeth. This will provide a more molecular and structural level and make the teeth more acid resistance just like the rodent families.
These discoveries have opened the door to understand better how to treat human enamel with fluoride. The tooth decay process requires early detection and is essential to make the teeth stronger. You have to break the cycle of decay.
Even with this huge breakthrough, it is still essential to maintain regular checkups. Gums and tooth structure changes with time. To prevent periodontal or cancer disease, early detection is the key ingredient. These furry rodents have provided insight and ways for improvements of current fluoride treatments.
Mechanical stress, wear, and fatigue have plagued the human mouth for centuries. More research will be required to back up these theories, but the future does seem promising. It would be fantastic if you could eliminate tooth decay and tooth loss. If this is an interesting prospect for you; ask your dentist (like Maria E Marzo, D.D.S., PC) and you may be surprised what the answer you received can change your outlook on dental care.
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