The relationship between people’s health and their dentition is complex and deeply interlinked. New research suggests that enamel may reflect a person’s overall wellbeing. This research assessed the enamel of people from three groups: ancestral Ohlone people from a mission outpost dating to the late 1700s and early 1800s in the San Francisco Bay Area, European settlers from the late 1800s buried at a San Francisco city cemetery, and modern-day US Air Force cadets who donated wisdom teeth.
The research highlights the ways in which the presence of proteins in tooth enamel can be used to study the biological and, potentially, the emotional health of humans throughout history.
Evaluating enamel to assess wellness
Researchers evaluated the levels of two proteins (immunoglobulin G, an antibody that fights infection, and C-reactive protein, which is present during stress and inflammation in the body) in the enamel.
The Ohlone people were affected by emotional stress and infectious diseases like tuberculosis, resulting in reduced mental and physical health. They therefore would have experienced high levels of physical and emotional stress as they suffered poor nutrition, hard labour, loss of loved ones, and displacement from their communities. The research found increased levels of both immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein in samples from the Ohlone people compared to the other groups, indicating both chronic disease and chronic emotional stress. The European settlers lived in a time when awareness of disease was not yet developed, and sanitation was poor, making life expectancy relatively low. Research results found that levels of immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein were higher than that of cadets, but lower than the Ohlone people. The modern-day cadets were thought to have better nutrition and overall wellbeing compared to both other groups (this was reflected in the research where no C-reactive protein was detected in their samples).
This assessment method of dental enamel offers a new way for researchers to evaluate the health of different human populations throughout history, and the impact that different circumstances had on individuals. This, in turn, reflects the delicate balance of oral and overall health – and the impacts each can have on the other.
Maintaining overall health and enamel strength
Not only are teeth good indicators of the health of the body, but poor oral health can also increase the risk of other health conditions developing. For example, poor oral health is thought to be linked with an increased risk of heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. This is because the build-up of plaque triggers inflammation, leading to decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis, in turn having wider implications for the rest of the body’s health.
In order for patients to best protect their oral and general health, they must establish an effective oral hygiene routine using high-quality dental care products which work to protect the enamel. A number of factors can impact enamel strength, including age, diet, and parafunction (like bruxism). Each of these can lead to enamel wearing away, and exposing the more vulnerable dentine tissues underneath, often leading to sensitivity, caries, and increased risk of fracture. As such, clinicians must advise patients on how best to protect their dental health, and prevent sensitivity, cavities, and oral disease.
Tooth enamel is composed of calcified hydroxyapatite and proteins and it is not able to regenerate. However, it is very strong and resistant to fracture and can withstand challenging environments over a number of years. As such, oral hygiene products which work to replenish minerals lost from the enamel through wear or acid erosion and provide a protective barrier against acids in the mouth, will help to prevent further damage.
The range of toothpaste from BioMin contains an innovative formula, with BioMin F toothpaste containing lower amounts of fluoride with longer lasting protection. BioMin F contains less than 600ppm fluoride which is delivered slowly for up to 12 hours, offering patients advanced protection when it’s needed most. It works with saliva to form a fluorapatite barrier over the tooth surfaces, which strengthens and protects the enamel and combats sensitivity when used regularly. Further to this, BioMin C has a fluoride-free formula which slowly releases minerals to create a hydroxyapatite coating, for patients who prefer to avoid fluoride.
With new research constantly shaping our understanding of the relationship between dental and general health, in addition to the impact on emotional wellbeing, clinicians are more informed than ever about the importance of preventing dental diseases and protecting teeth against wear.
References available on request.
For more information email marketing@biomin.co.uk or visit www.biomin.co.uk