Actually, wooden dentures were common in Japan from the 16th century, but by the 18th century, typical denture materials included human and animal teeth and ivory. Most nowadays are made of acrylic resin, nylon, or porcelain.

Genetics

Ever wondered why some people seem to get cavities no matter how well they brush and floss, while others rarely have problems? Believe it or not, your genetic makeup can significantly influence your susceptibility to cavities. Factors like the strength of your enamel, the shape and depth of your tooth grooves, and your saliva’s composition can all be inherited, and if your parents had a history of cavities, you might be at risk too. Diet plays a crucial role in dental health, and eating sugary and acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavities. If you enjoy sweets, sodas, or even fruit juices, you’re more likely to develop cavities if you don’t take extra care with your oral hygiene. And we all probably know that daily brushing and flossing are essential to preventing cavities.

My own sad story

Well, I am going to blame genetics, as I have to report that I have been a diligent tooth-cleaner, hunting down every little leftover smidgen of broccoli that might be lurking, using an expensive toothpaste, a posh brush and rinsing with a special mouthwash, but sadly have lost a few over the years. Don’t talk to me about flossing - I look like a demented violinist trying to get that little bit of cotton to do its job.

As they fell out or were extracted, I vowed to clean a bit harder and more often, to the point that one dentist in the past said I was eroding my gums by over-vigorous brushing. You can’t win! I have managed grinning without exposing my gums in an undignified manner, until I lost one of my precious front teeth. One from the top, one that is exposed and one clearly at the front of my smile. Now I look a cross between a witch and Bugs Bunny, with a gap that I can squeeze the tip of my tongue through (yes, I did try to get it all through).

Falsies v Implant

I have been putting up with a dental plate with a lonely tooth sitting on it, and I hate it. It makes me talk funny, not like Sarah Millican funny, but not like I normally sound. And eating is more complicated.

So, I opted to go the route of an implant, nodding vigorously when my dentist suggested it as an option, without giving much thought to the process, and in due course I showed up for a full-mouth CBCT scan (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), which essentially gives the dentist a 3-D look at both teeth and jaws. Irritatingly, despite paying for it, I didn’t get a peek at it as it was on a computer stick that needed software to read it, but curiosity got the better of me and I went on the internet to see someone else’s. It all felt a bit, I don’t know – personal - like looking through someone’s underwear drawer, but I got the gist of it.

This week, I began the physical journey of getting a new pearly white installed. Suitably capped and gowned (I didn’t expect that for some reason), I nervously lowered myself into the chair, while my gorgeous implantologist and his assistant (well, these were actually two pairs of eyes swathed in paper suits) started poking me with needles and scalpels and what felt like a Black and Decker drill, and implanted a screw surely long enough to pierce my brain. Finally, it was finished off with a needle and thread and a sewing job my needlework teacher would have been proud of. I am swollen, bruised and sore, and my smile is now hampered by ugly stitches in all sorts of unexpected places, and makes me look like I have been at the losing end of a fight with Mike Tyson, whilst chewing betelnuts.

But the promise of a full, gleaming smile is getting nearer.

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan