What beavers can teach us about oral care

Dr. Maryam Brazdo works with patients of all ages to prevent tooth decay and strengthen their enamel. According to the American Dental Association, $111 billion a year is spent on dental services in the U.S., a significant part of that on cavities and other tooth decay issues. A staggering 60 to 90 percent of children and nearly 100 percent of adults worldwide have or have had cavities, according to the World Health Organization.

Research into the proper care and maintenance of teeth is ongoing, and one surprising resource turns out to be the beaver. Beavers don’t brush their teeth or drink fluoridated water, but a new study reports beavers do have protection against tooth decay built into the chemical structure of their teeth because of the iron density in their tooth enamel. Their pigmented enamel is harder and more resistant to acid than regular enamel, including that of human enamel treated with fluoride. This discovery is among others that could lead to a better understanding of human tooth decay, earlier detection of the disease, and improving on current fluoride treatments.

So while you may not desire the beaver-teeth aesthetic, keep in mind that our furry friends have quite the benefit in those big front teeth: stronger, more cavity-resistant enamel! If you have questions about your oral health, contact the team at Artistic Touch Dentistry today!

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