The Teeth © PDST Home Economics

Healthy Teeth & Gums Help us to digest food Make us look better Good health – bad teeth cause bad breath, abscesses, stomach upset Help us speak clearly

Sets of Teeth Primary Teeth aka milk, temporary. 20 teeth 0 to 7 yrs Permanent Teeth 32 teeth 8yrs to death

Types and functions of teeth Number Function Incisor 8 Cut & bite Canine 4 Tear Premolar Chew & grind Molar 12

Structure of the Tooth

Structure 2 main part (a) crown, (b) root Mostly made of dentine which is like bone The crown is covered in enamel, the hardest substance in the body. The root is covered in cement which sticks the tooth in the gum and bone In the centre of the dentine is a space called the pulp cavity, blood vessels and nerves are found here

Dental Health 2 main dental health problems are (a) tooth decay and (b) gum disease. Both are caused by plaque, a mixture of food saliva and bacteria that build up on the teeth. Tooth decay: Bacteria react with food forming acid which burns into the tooth causing a cavity, when the decay reaches the nerve pain is felt.

Gum disease

Dental decay

Care of teeth Brush twice a day at least using fluoride toothpaste Floss at night to avoid gum disease Replace toothbrush regularly Visit dentist every 6 months Avoid sugary foods Eat calcium and Vit D rich foods

Fluoride Mineral element that makes tooth enamel stronger and prevents decay. Added to our water supply, toothpaste and mouth wash