Human civilization has come a long way when it comes to oral hygiene. In the past, people suffered from many oral problems because of a lack of knowledge and technology. The history of oral care is fascinating, but it’s great to see how much improvement has been made.
Now we know much more about oral health, and we have access to better tools and techniques for keeping our teeth and gums healthy. As a result, we enjoy much better oral health than our ancestors did.
This article will look at some of the most significant advancements in oral hygiene and how they’ve helped improve our oral health. Some of the most critical improvements in oral hygiene include the following.
1. The development of toothpaste and toothbrushes
Toothpaste and toothbrushes are two essential tools for keeping our teeth clean and healthy. In the past, people used to clean their teeth with various materials, including twigs, ashes, and even animal bones. However, now we have access to toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically designed to clean our teeth and remove plaque and bacteria.
2. The discovery of fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making our teeth more resistant to acid attacks. People didn’t have access to fluoride in the past, which made them more prone to tooth decay. This has caused many problems for people, especially those who live in areas where dental care is not easily accessible.
The good thing now is that we have access to fluoride, and we can use it to our advantage. There are various ways to get fluoride, including fluoridated water and toothpaste. Now, we can have a safe, inexpensive, and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
3. The knowledge about dental procedures
In the past, dental procedures were excruciating and often resulted in infection. However, now we have access to better techniques and methods that are much more effective and less painful. Not to mention there’s a lot of research being done to improve dental procedures further.
Nowadays, we can get our teeth cleaned, filled, and extracted without worrying about the pain or infection. This huge advancement has helped improve oral health for many people.
Dental implants and bridges are two examples of procedures that have greatly improved over the years. Not to mention, we now have access to anesthesia, which wasn’t available in the past. As a result, we can get the oral care we need without worrying about the pain or the risk of infection.
4. The use of x-rays
X-rays are a great way to spot oral problems early on to be treated before they become more serious. This technology has been used in so many medical fields, and it has helped save countless lives.
In the past, people didn’t have access to x-rays, so oral problems often went undetected until they were pretty severe. However, now we can get oral x-rays regularly, which helps to ensure that oral problems are spotted and treated early on.
5. The development of dental sealants
Dental sealants are a great way to protect our teeth from cavities and decay. In the past, dental sealants weren’t available, which is why people were more prone to cavities and decay. However, now we can get dental sealants applied to our teeth, which helps to prevent cavities and decay.
6. The development of dental insurance
Dental insurance is another essential factor that has helped improve our oral health. Dental care was costly and often out of reach for many people in the past. However, more people can afford to get the dental care they need with dental insurance.
However, there seems to be a lack of dental insurance utilization among Americans. It’s important to let people know that oral health is just as important as general health and that dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable.
7. The increase in public awareness
Finally, one of the most significant advancements in dental care is increasing public awareness. In the past, people did not give dental care much importance. That’s why many people don’t take care of their teeth.
Now there is much information available about dental care and its importance. Thanks to health workers and their campaigns, people are now more aware of oral hygiene and the need for regular dental check-ups.
These are just some of the most significant advancements in dental care. Thanks to these advancements, we now enjoy better oral health than ever before. So, if you’re looking to improve your oral health, be sure to take advantage of these advancements.
