Jeanne Grunert

There's an old saying: "If you always do what you've always done, you will always get the same results!" We do the same thing over and over again because somewhere along the way we learned that this is what one "ought to do" or "this is how things are done." For example, we've heard the recommendation to visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and a cleaning. Some people think that if they do this, they're going to prevent cavities. Unfortunately, little research supports this recommendation - yet the vast majority of people believe it!

The fact is that somewhere along the line you were taught that bit of advice. Whether it was learned at school from your health class teacher, you heard it from your parents, or you learned it from your dentist is irrelevant. It's now part of what it called your frame of reference, the guidelines by which you run your life.

Many years ago, the frame of reference about body weight was 'the plumper the better.' And that made a lot of sense. Faced with uncertain food supplies and scarcity, having a little meat on your bones, as the saying goes, was a good thing.

Now we know differently. Our frame of reference has shifted. We know that having extra weight adds to our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. Instead, scientists are now studying how being slightly underweight or calorie deficient may actually prolong life!

It's possible to shift the frame of reference, but usually it takes a long time. By reading this you're already taking the first steps in shifting your reference point when it comes to dental health.

Dental Self Sufficiency Is Possible

Why is it that we believe a cut on our finger will heal, but we find it hard to believe that your body  can heal gum disease? Why is it that we try to prevent catching the common cold by doing sensible things such as washing our hands and avoiding people who are sick, yet most people treat cavities and dental disease as if it's inevitable?

It's not inevitable that your teeth will decay or your gums become infected. There are measures you can take to improve your oral health. Some people do retain all their teeth until the day they die, and without much special care.

It's time to change your expectations about your dental health. But it's also time to do things differently. Learn all you can about nutrition, biological factors, and how to truly care for your teeth. If you cleaned your house from top to bottom every week but failed to fix the leaky roof, chances are your house would incur significant damage. It's not enough to get a professional cleaning and review to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It's time to change how you look at your dental health.

This article originally appears in the March 11, 2010 OraMedia Newsletter .

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The preceding information and/or products are for educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe for an illness. Please consult your doctor before making any changes or before starting ANY exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this information or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.

Copyright 2010 by Jeanne Grunert