Healthy Teeth and Mouth Personal Health Healthy Teeth and Mouth

Functions of the Teeth 1. Form the shape and structure of the mouth. Important for speech Allow you to chew food.

Tooth Structure 1. The peridontium is the area immediately around the tooth Consists of gums, periodontal ligaments, jaw bone that support the tooth. 2. Each tooth has three regions: A. The crown is the visible part of the tooth. B. The neck.

A tooth has several tissues: C. The root is anchored in the jaw bone. A tooth has several tissues: A. Enamel is hard, mineral substance covering the tooth. B. Dentin makes up most of the tooth. C. Pulp is the living tissue inside a tooth. Contains blood vessels and nerves.

Care Habits DO: 1. Brush well twice a day using these techniques: Brush for at least two minutes. Hold the bristle tips at a 45-degree angle against the gumline. Brush back and forth in very short strokes.

Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, the inside surfaces and, finally, the chewing surfaces. Brush your tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

2. Floss to remove food particles that cause plaque. 3. Get fluoride treatments from a dentist or use products that contain it (especially if drinking water is not treated)

4. See a dentist regularly for care that includes cleaning, fluoride treatments, and repair. 5. Eat foods that contain phosphorous and vitamins C and D.

DON’T: 1. Eat foods high in sugar. 2. Use tobacco or smokeless tobacco.

Problems with Teeth and Mouth 1. Periodontal disease A. Plague is a sticky, colorless film that acts on sugar to form acids that destroy tooth enamel and irritate gums. Can harden into tarter. B. Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the periodontal structures. Includes gingivitis and periodontitis Result of destructive action of bacteria that form plaque.

Can lead to tooth loss. IS PREVENTABLE!! 2. Tooth Decay A. Begins when bacteria in plaque form acids that eat into the enamel and dentin. B. Becomes painful when decay reaches the pulp.

C. Tooth is abscessed when pus forms and decay reaches the bone. B. Problems include: A. Halitosis – bad breath caused by decayed teeth, eating certain foods, smoking, and mouth infections. Treatment – Mouthwash or treatment of underlying problems.

B. Gingivitis – a disorder where the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. May be caused by plaque, misaligned teeth, or deposits of decaying food. Treatment – determined by a dentist. C. Periodontitis – serious form of gum disease that results in swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Bone surrounding tooth is destroyed causing teeth to fall out. Treatment – good oral health.

D. Malocclusion – the upper and lower jaws do not align properly D. Malocclusion – the upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Can lead to decay and disease. Also affect a persons speech and ability to chew. Treatment - orthodontics