Healthy Teeth and Mouth (3:04) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity

Your teeth and mouth need care to function well and keep you healthy.

periodontium pulp plaque halitosis periodontal disease malocclusion

Your Teeth Every tooth has three main parts. Having healthy teeth is important for your appearance and your overall physical health.

Your Teeth Your teeth break down foods into pieces that are small enough to easily digest. They also help form the shape and structure of your mouth.

Your Teeth The periodontium supports the tooth and holds it in place. Periodontium The area immediately around the tooth

Parts of a Tooth Parts of the Periodontium The Gum Periodontal Ligaments The Jawbone

Parts of a Tooth Three Main Parts of the Tooth CrownNeckRoot

Parts of a Tooth Crown Neck Root

Parts of a Tooth enamel dentin gum gingivia pulp cavity with nerves and vessels cementum periodontal ligaments periodontal membrane root canal bone

Parts of a Tooth Enamel is a hard substance made of calcium that protects the crown. Dentin is layer of connective tissue that contributes to the shape and hardness of a tooth.

Parts of a Tooth Protected by the overlying layers of dentin and enamel, the pulp extends into the root canal. Pulp The tissue that contains the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth

Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy You can make choices that help keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy. Oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing your teeth, is necessary for healthy, clean teeth.

Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy Bacteria metabolize the sugars in the foods you eat, producing an acid that breaks down the protective layer of tooth enamel. Tooth decay occurs when the enamel is destroyed and bacteria penetrate the tooth.

Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy Plaque damages the tooth by coating it, sealing out the saliva that normally protects the tooth from bacteria. Plaque A combination of bacteria and other particles, such as small bits of food, which adheres to the outside of a tooth

Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy If plaque builds up, acids produced by bacteria break down the tooth enamel, resulting in a cavity. If decay spreads down to the pulp, the tooth may have to be removed.

Keeping Your Teeth and Mouth Healthy Visit a dentist regularly.  Eat a well-balanced diet.  Reduce the number of sugary drinks and snacks you eat.  Brush your teeth after every meal, and floss daily.  Get regular dental checkups.  Wear a mouth guard when you play contact sports.  Avoid all tobacco products. 

Tooth and Mouth Problems Neglecting your teeth can result in problems. Some oral problems are caused by poor hygiene, others by poorly aligned teeth.

Tooth and Mouth Problems Halitosis can be caused by eating certain foods, poor oral hygiene, smoking, bacteria on the tongue, decayed teeth, and gum disease. Halitosis Bad breath

Tooth and Mouth Problems Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by bacterial infection. Periodontal disease An inflammation of the periodontal structures

Tooth and Mouth Problems When plaque hardens, it builds up tartar, a hard, crustlike substance, and causes the gums to become irritated and swollen. This is called gingivitis. If left untreated, the bone and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed, and teeth can be lost.

Tooth and Mouth Problems If not treated, malocclusion can lead to decay, and affect a person’s speech and ability to chew. Malocclusion A misalignment of the upper and lower teeth

Tooth and Mouth Problems Impacted wisdom teeth sometimes crowd and push on other teeth or become infected. They may need to be removed surgically.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Periodontal disease is inflammation of the periodontal structures. Plaque is a combination of bacteria and other particles that adheres to the outside of a tooth. 1.Define the terms periodontal disease and plaque.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2.What is the pulp of the tooth? Tissue that contains the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3.Explain how tooth decay happens. If plaque builds up, bacteria thrive in the plaque and produce acids that break down tooth enamel, forming a cavity.