Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Division of Community and Public Health Oral Health Program Oral Health Fifth Grade
Grooming is an important part of growing up. Shower/Bathe Shower/Bathe Wash our faces Wash our faces Wash our hair Wash our hair Comb/brush our hair Comb/brush our hair Put on clean clothes Put on clean clothes Brush our teeth Brush our teeth Each day we:
Do you know what would happen if we didn’t take care of ourselves? Our bodies would… Stink Stink Get sick (disease) Get sick (disease)
Did you know that a cavity (hole in your tooth) is actually a “diseased” tooth? It sure is! It is caused by “germs” (bacteria) in your mouth.
You see, just like you, “germs” (bacteria) use food, and need just the right environment to survive…
What do you mean by the word “environment?” “environment?” Really? What kinds of food?
Each day a thin film of plaque grows on our teeth (environment). This plaque contains “germs” (bacteria). If this plaque is not brushed off each day, these bacteria become “harmful.” Bacteria can be seen through a microscope.
These “germs” (bacteria), use the food left on our teeth (sugar), to produce a substance called “acid.” Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993
Each time you munch on a snack, drink a soda, or eat a candy bar, an “acid attack” occurs…
Each “acid attack” lasts about 20 minutes. After repeated “acid attacks,” our teeth become weak, and a hole or “cavity” is formed. Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993
Not only that, but… These “germs” (bacteria) create another problem… It’s called “gum disease.” What, another Disease?
Yes! These “germs” (bacteria) in this plaque make your gums sore and they bleed. It’s called an “infection” or gingivitis.
Now that you understand how the “germs” (bacteria) in your mouth survive in the right environment… Let’s take a look at some of the foods you eat!
Do they include: GrainsFruitsVegetablesDairyMeat
What about snacks? Snacks are fine for a little energy in between meals… But they should not be eaten in place of a meal.
Especially harmful snacks are sugary foods and drinks, and foods that are starchy or “sticky.” Foods and drinks high in sugar should not be eaten as snacks, but rather eaten with meals.
So what can you do to prevent cavities and gum disease? Yeah, you!
#1 Brush for two minutes twice each day with a soft bristled toothbrush. (Be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride in it!)
# 2 Floss your teeth once each day to remove plaque from in between your teeth.
#3 Choose healthy snacks, and have fewer snacks or drinks that are sugary or sticky.
# 4 See a dentist twice a year for a dental exam and professional cleaning. (X-rays will also be taken to look for cavities and other problems.)
Now, to be sure you are doing all you can to prevent tooth decay and gum disease… Let’s review proper brushing and flossing!
Proper Brushing Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline. Brushing only 2-3 teeth at a time, gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. Use short back-and-forth or circular strokes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath! Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Proper Flossing Now, gently follow the curves of your teeth, sliding the floss up and down the tooth’s surface a few times. Be sure to go below the gumline. Using your middle fingers, wrap about 18” of floss around them (but not too tightly). Leave about an inch or two of floss between your hands. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Your teeth were meant to last throughout your entire life… So make wise choices and take good care of them!
Thank you for listening and keep brushing! Photos: Microsoft product box shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation. All photos obtained from office.microsoft.com/clipart unless otherwise noted. This presentation has been adapted and used with permission from the Dental Health Program developed by the Clay County Public Health Center.