Why do we have teeth of different shapes and sizes?

Why do teeth have different shapes? Incisors (say in-si-zors) are for cutting. Molars and pre-molars (say mow-lers) grind up food until it's small enough to swallow. Each type of tooth has a special shape so that it can do its job.

When we take care of our body and our selves we never think of the importance of our teeth. Unfortunately it doesn’t help that most insurance companies do not offer Dental coverage included with your health coverage. But your teeth are connecting to your body. They help with chewing and digestion, they are important for speaking, smiling and appearance.

There is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Bleeding gums, visible root surfaces and loose teeth are not normal at any age and they are signs of an infection called periodontal disease.

Recent studies show a link between the infection in your mouth, your heart and your lungs, worsening serious medical problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory diseases.

Several theories link the bacteria in your mouth with bacteria found in the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels contributing to clot formation.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by the periodontal disease increases plaque build up which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers found that people with untreated periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease then those without periodontal disease.

In conclusion your oral health is important for your overall health and vice versa.

Your teeth are never too old to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t maintain your natural teeth or replace the teeth that are lost your overall health can suffer.

Next time we’ll talk about periodontal disease and how to prevent it.