If you have a dog or a cat, you might wonder how they can get away with not brushing their teeth the way humans have to. It seems a bit unfair that we have to brush at least twice per day in addition to flossing sessions and maybe even a bit of mouthwash. Then there are those routine visits to your Katoomba, NSW general dentist twice each year for check-ups and cleans.
To better understand why animals can skip daily oral care and humans can’t, let’s talk first about why we have to brush our teeth in the first place. All humans consume a variety of foods and drinks, some of which are good for us and some of which are not. The healthy stuff is better for our oral health—as well as our overall well-being.
The Differences Between Human and Animal Oral Health
Unlike humans, most animals—especially those living in the wild—don’t eat cooked food. This provides their teeth with protection from tooth decay because they aren’t eating foods that are heavy on refined sugar. Our prehistoric ancestors had some of the same natural tooth protection we no longer have with today’s modern diets.
Another reason animals don’t need the same oral care we do is because they have much shorter lives; chances are good their teeth will outlast the body’s longevity.
Some animals, such as alligators and sharks, grow more than one set of teeth throughout their lifetime.
Humans Are Prone to Tooth Decay
You can thank today’s modern diets that tend to be rich in starches and sugar for our propensity toward tooth decay. Both substances feed the bacteria present in the mouth, which lead to acids that eat away at the tooth enamel.
Twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing help to remove the plaque that builds up on teeth because of the foods and beverages we consume. Visiting a top dentist in Katoomba, NSW twice a year for check-ups and cleans is also essential for good oral health.
We Welcome Your Call to Our Katoomba, NSW Dental Clinic
Nature won’t take care of your oral health; it’s up to you to brush and floss—and visit your dentist regularly. We look forward to helping you keep your oral health on track at Katoomba Dental Centre. Please call us on 02 4782 1507 or book in directly here.
