A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald reports that recent research has shown that our diets have changed considerably over history but this has also meant a new battle against dental diseases.

The state of oral health has rapidly gone into decline over the past two to three centuries.

Advancements in modern science and technology allow us to mend broken teeth and replace missing teeth. We can even undergo a cosmetic makeover to obtain that “million dollar smile”.

However, we still have the original problem of trying not to lose our teeth.

Our ancestors previously had to hunt for food in order to eat, there was more physical activity and exercise in a persons daily schedule, there was far less air pollution (and hence allergies) but more importantly, food was prepared in a way that it stimulated the chewing muscles.

Since the industrial revolution we have consistently sought ways to make our lives easier, efficient and more productive. While being beneficial and making life less tiring and more enjoyable, this has meant humans now need to work less to achieve a desired outcome.

We live a more sedentary lifestyle, have easy access to soft takeaway food, are exposed to more allergens and also have a high sugar intake in our diets.

The changing lifestyle has resulted in a broad increase in people with health problems, breathing problems leading to negative facial structure changes, crowded teeth and poorly aligned biting patterns.

The increase in sugar intake has caused an increase in diseases such as dental decay, gum disease, diabetes and heart disease.

The state of ones oral health is not solely dependent on how well or how often you brush. It works in unison with the rest of the body and hence is also dependent on other factors such as diet and general health and well-being.