2. Why Do We Need Our Teeth? Eating!
To chew our food. That’s an easy one!
Can you imagine trying to eat an apple, carrot or a hamburger without teeth?
It would be pretty hard, wouldn’t it?

3. Why Do We Need Our Teeth? Speaking!
Our tongue, lips, and teeth help us to pronounce words!

4. Why Do We Need Our Teeth? Smiling!
We need our teeth in order to look our very best!

5. Why Do We Need Our Baby Teeth?
They act as space savers.
They guide the permanent teeth into place.
The permanent teeth are white, the baby teeth are gray.
Moss, Growing Up Cavity Free: A Parent's Guide To Prevention,
Quintessence Publishing Co., 1993

6. What A Tooth Looks Like The CROWN
The part of the tooth above the gums.
Just like a king’s hat!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

7. What A Tooth Looks Like The ROOT
The part of the tooth below the gumline.
Just as the roots of a tree hold the tree in the ground, the roots of your teeth hold your teeth in your mouth.
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

8. The Tooth Is Made Of 3 Layers
ENAMEL
Covers the crown.
Is the protective covering.
Is the hardest thing in our body, even harder than bone!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

9. The Tooth Is Made Of 3 Layers
DENTIN
Is underneath the enamel.
Makes up the largest part of our teeth.
Is very hard (about the same hardness as our bones--- but not as hard as enamel).
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

10. The Tooth Is Made Of 3 Layers
PULP
Fills the space inside the tooth.
Contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

11. Now That We Know What A Tooth Looks Like, Let’s Talk About What Makes A Cavity In Your Tooth!
Cavities are caused by PLAQUE!
What is PLAQUE?
An invisible film of germs that constantly grows on your teeth.
It feels fuzzy. Rub your tongue on your teeth, do they feel fuzzy?
You brush your teeth to remove PLAQUE!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

12. Tooth Decay Plaque+Sugary Foods= ACID An ACID is:
Something that eats through something else.
When ACID sits on your teeth, it eats through your teeth, making a hole or “cavity.” This is tooth decay!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

13. More On Tooth Decay If you have a small cavity (tooth decay) and you…
Visit the dentist regularly.
Get fluoride treatments.
Do a good job brushing—have your parent help!
Eat the right foods.
The cavity (tooth decay) may not spread further.

14. But If…
You are not taking care of your teeth as you should, and the decay spreads…
A dentist will need to take out the decay and put in a filling.
It may look small from the outside -- but an x-ray shows the decay is in the dentin, which is softer than enamel.
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

15. And If…
You have tooth decay, and you are not being checked regularly by a dentist…
The decay may continue into the pulp!
When this happens, it can cause you to have a toothache!
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993

16. If This Happens… A dentist might have to take your tooth out!
If a tooth is removed, it can cause all sorts of problems…
So it’s important to take good care of your teeth and fight TOOTH DECAY!

17. One Of The Best Ways To Fight Tooth Decay Is…
Avoid sugary snacks!
Can anyone name some sugary snacks?

18. No, But You Can Cut Down On It!
Can You Cut Out All Sugar From Your Diet?
No, But You Can Cut Down On It!
If you eat sweets:
Eat them at meal times.
Brush your teeth afterward.
If you cannot brush, swish with water and swallow! This helps to remove food particles from your teeth.

19. Can You Name Some Snacks That Would Be Healthier For Both Our Bodies And Our Teeth?
There are many snacks that not only taste good, but are good for you.
Some foods can also help clean the plaque off the teeth like hard crunchy apples or cheeses.

20. Plaque Continues To Grow On Our Teeth Everyday!
It can be removed with proper brushing.
Always use a toothpaste with fluoride in it!
Ask your parent to help you brush.
Fluoride helps make teeth stronger, so decay bugs and acids can’t hurt them.

21. Let’s Review Proper Tooth Brushing
Use a soft bristled toothbrush.
Use Fluoride toothpaste.
Have your parent or caregiver help you brush until you are 10 years old.

22. When Should You and Your Parent Brush Your Teeth?
When you wake up
After eating
At bedtime
Remember to ask your parent to help!

23. Get A New Toothbrush… DON’T SHARE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH WITH ANYONE ELSE!
Every 3 months.
When yours becomes frayed.
After you have been sick.
DON’T SHARE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH WITH ANYONE ELSE!

24. Be Sure To Visit Your Dentist
2 Times Each Year.
If you have a cavity, the dentist will be able to find it when it is small.
The dental staff will apply fluoride to your teeth.
Dental sealants may be placed on your permanent back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.

25. What Are Dental Sealants?
A coating put on the top of permanent back teeth to help keep the decay bugs out.
Courtesy of Dr. Craig Hollander D.D.S.
Courtesy of Dr. Craig Hollander D.D.S.
Tooth without a dental sealant.
Tooth with a dental sealant.

26. Keep Smiling And Thank You For Listening!
An additional recommended resource for viewing: Dr. Rabbit’s World Tour video (Colgate). For more information regarding this resource contact
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Division of Community and Public Health Oral Health Program