Raising the bar in 2013

Wow, another year passes. Where did 2012 go. Time sure does seem to fly by. Well, since we didn't see the end of the world this month we can get back to our actuary tables. According to the CDC, life expectancy in the United States is 78.5 years. In areas like Camarillo and Ventura County, the life expectancy is even higher due to our good clean living. That poses a problem for dentists like me.

Your smile at 90?

In the old days, people were OK with losing their teeth and wearing dentures. These days that isn't the case. Most people want to avoid that. I used to have patients ask me, "so when do you think I am going to lose my teeth?" as if it were unavoidable.

Just to be clear, gum disease (not cavities) is the cause of losing all of your teeth almost every time. The bone that hold your teeth in is only there to do that if it is happy (healthy). Inflammation and infection around the neck of the teeth from plaque is what causes the bone to not want to be there. It will slowly recede away from the tooth until the tooth gets loose and falls out.

It used to be that only people with great teeth and great habits kept their teeth into their golden years. Now, even mediocre teeth can go the distance with the right care. As we all live longer, we have to raise the bar on oral hygiene. It is a team effort between you and your friendly dental team at Camarillo Smiles. What we do is to help you become better and more efficient so that you won't need us as much. We love to be needed, but we also love seeing our coaching pay off for you. That makes us smile!

Have a great 2013. -Dr. C:)