1. The Teeth
© PDST Home Economics

2. 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

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

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

5. Structure of the Tooth

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Gum disease

9. Dental decay

10. 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

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