Teeth brushing

The human body does not come with an owner's manual. We don't need one for our basic needs. We forage when hungry, fuck when horny, and relieve ourselves when we feel the urge. When was the last time you woke up in the middle of the night, viscerally needing to brush your teeth? Teeth brushing is not a basic need. For our ancestors, the hunters and gatherers, it was not even a need: their remains show strong, healthy teeth, despite predating dentists, bristled implements, and Proctor & Gamble. So why do we need to brush? One word: agriculture. Or the slightly expanded version: excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, leading to dental caries and periodontal disease. But this excessive consumption affects more than just our smile. It is the major reason why we have rampant diabetes, heart and kidney disease, and perhaps even cancer. Yet we ritually brush after each meal, see our dentists every six months for "deep cleaning," and flash those pearly whites while our insides slowly deteriorate. That is the modern way.