Dental care Let’s have super teeth

Interesting facts about teeth Teeth are used to help break down food. Humans form 2 sets of teeth over the course of their lives. The first set (sometimes called baby teeth) features 20 teeth. The second set (sometimes called adult teeth) features 32 teeth. Baby teeth are usually replaced by adult teeth between the ages of 6 and 12.

Humans have a variety of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and incisors. Incisors help bite pieces from food. Canines help hold and tear food apart. Molars help grind food. Teeth are covered in a hard substance called enamel. Teeth are surrounded by gums. Cavities can damage a tooth if left untreated.

Keep your teeth healthy Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. 

How to brush your teeth

Keep your teeth healthy Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay.

Keep your teeth healthy Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion.

Keep your teeth healthy Limit drinks like soft drinks, and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.

Keep your teeth healthy Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids.

Keep your teeth healthy Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

Keep your teeth healthy See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

Keep your teeth healthy