Raising the bar in 2017

Our Teeth Need to Last Longer Now

Wow, another year passes. Where did 2016 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. Just to be clear, gum disease (not cavities) is the cause of losing all of your teeth almost every time. The bone that holds 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.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. 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 2017. -Dr. C:)

Time really does fly—2016 came and went, but your teeth are here for the long haul.

As life expectancy climbs (78.5 years on average in the U.S., and even higher in health‑conscious areas like Camarillo and Ventura County), our teeth are being asked to last longer than ever before. That’s where the challenge—and the opportunity—lies for both patients and dentists.

Why We Lose Teeth

Contrary to what many people think, gum disease—not cavities—is usually the main reason people lose all their teeth. The bone around your teeth is there to hold them in place, but it only stays if it’s healthy and “happy.”

When plaque builds up around the neck of the teeth, it causes inflammation and infection in the gums. Over time, this chronic irritation tells the supporting bone to back away. The bone slowly recedes, teeth loosen, and eventually they can fall out or need to be removed.

Dentures Aren’t the Goal Anymore

In the past, people more or less accepted that they would lose their teeth and end up in dentures. It was almost seen as a normal part of aging. I used to hear questions like:

“So when do you think I’m going to lose my teeth?”

—as if it were inevitable.

Today, expectations are different. Most people want to keep their natural teeth for life, and that’s absolutely realistic with the right care.

The Good News: Even “Mediocre” Teeth Can Last

It used to be that only people with naturally strong teeth and excellent habits kept their teeth into their golden years. Now, with modern dentistry and better home care tools:

• Even average or “mediocre” teeth can go the distance.
• The key is consistent, effective oral hygiene and regular professional care.

As we live longer, we simply have to raise the bar on oral hygiene. What worked “well enough” for a 60‑year lifespan may not be enough for 80+ years.

A Team Effort: You + Your Dental Team

Keeping your teeth for life is a team sport:

• Your role: Daily brushing, flossing, and healthy habits to control plaque and inflammation.
• Our role at Camarillo Smiles: Coaching, monitoring, and treatment to keep your gums and bone healthy.

Our goal is to help you become so good and efficient with your home care that, over time, you actually need us less for problems and more for prevention and fine‑tuning.

We love being needed—but we also love seeing your hard work and our coaching pay off. That’s what really makes us smile.

Have a healthy, happy 2017.

– Dr. C :)