Modern medicine and dentistry are educationally, clinically, and financially driven by the concept of providing sick care to patients, while dentistry is focused on repairing and replacing teeth.

The economics of these approaches is unsustainable. Science has provided us with more effective treatments for acute and chronic diseases, and dental technology has provided the dental profession with more efficient ways to replace teeth. Preventing disease in both professions has become an orphan in a world of sick care options.

Current media advertisements fill the airwaves, promoting the concept of replacing all one’s teeth in a day with titanium roots and manmade crowns and, unfortunately, influencing the viewpoints and treatment provided by dentists. As medicine should focus on providing patients with a long health span, Dentistry 3.0 should be committed to preserving natural teeth for a lifetime. The Mayo Clinic has observed that patients presenting with a healthy, intact natural dentition live on average 10 years longer.

Let’s first discuss the issues that lead to dental disease and ultimately tooth loss. There are ten horsemen of the dental apocalypse.

1. Your Genetic Vulnerability to Dental Decay and Periodontal Disease

If your parents or siblings suffer from dental issues, you are more vulnerable. Knowing this should guide your dentist, as well as yourself, in seeking preventive dental procedures as early as possible and as frequently as necessary.

2. Understanding the Cause of Dental Disease

The oral cavity is populated by hundreds of bacterial species. The outcome of your dental health depends on genetics, overall health, and how effectively bacteria are disrupted before causing damage.

3. Effective Oral Hygiene Is Not Intuitive

It is not the toothbrush, but how effectively bacteria are removed at the gum line and between teeth every 12 hours. This requires instruction, motivation, and time.

4. Bruxism or Clenching Often Begins in Childhood

The forces generated during sleep can severely damage teeth. Night guards are a critical investment to prevent long-term damage.

5. Smoking and Vaping

Tobacco use significantly increases periodontal disease and contributes to systemic health risks.

6. Medications Taken for Chronic Diseases

Many medications cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth, increasing the risk of decay and periodontal disease.

7. Diet

Foods high in carbohydrates and sugar increase decay risk when bacteria are present, especially sucking candies.

8. Fluoride

Fluoride reduces decay in children and young adults, decreasing the need for invasive dental procedures later in life.

9. Dental Implants

While implants are valuable, they should not replace teeth unnecessarily and require the same maintenance as natural teeth.

10. The Corporatization of Dentistry

Corporate ownership of practices can distort incentives and lead to unnecessary or suboptimal care.

Finally, the most important thing you will learn from a dental practice or hygienist is how to effectively remove bacteria daily from the gum line and between your teeth. The ten minutes you spend each day, if done correctly, will have the greatest impact on preserving your natural teeth and minimizing invasive dental care.

Dr. Victor Sternberg
141 North State Road
Briarcliff, NY
914-762-1885

By Westchester Center for Periodontal & Implant Excellence

December 31, 2023