Your Teeth and Gums Chapter 14, Lesson 1 Pruitt, Allegrante, Prothrow-Stith, Health, Pearson, 2014.

WRITE: What changes can you make to take better care of your teeth? QUICK QUIZ: How many of these questions can you answer yes to? I brush my teeth at least twice a day. I floss my teeth every day. I go to the dentist as least once a year. I limit my intake of sugary foods. When I play a contact sport, I always wear a mouth guard.

TEETH Healthy teeth allow you to chew your food properly and speak clearly. Enamel – hardest material in the body; covers a tooth’s crown Cementum – covers a tooth’s root and anchors tooth to jawbone

Dentin – living material that makes up the majority of the tooth Pulp – soft tissue that fills the center of the tooth; contains nerves and blood cells

Gums Pink tissue surrounding the base of the teeth and covers the bone around the teeth Healthy gums fit tightly around the neck of each tooth

Structural problems By age 3, have primary teeth By age 5 or 6, these teeth fall out and are replaced by 28 permanent teeth Between ages 17 and 21, 4 additional (wisdom) teeth grow Changes in jaw throughout growing years can lead to problems

Malocclusion When upper and lower teeth do not meet properly Overbite – when upper teeth stick out too far Underbite – when lower teeth stick out too far Orthodontist – specialists who correct the position of the jaw and teeth

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Not enough room or are at an awkward angle If not removed, may cause crowding and serious gum infection

Caring for Your Teeth and Gums Halitosis – bad breath To prevent tooth decay and gum disease - healthy diet, proper tooth care, and regular dental checkups

Healthy Diet Well-balanced diet low in sugar Limit sports drinks (acid that destroys tooth’s enamel) Include foods with calcium and phosphorus (minerals that strengthen teeth)

Brushing Mouth is full of bacteria that adheres to your teeth (plaque) Brush tongue Brush at least twice a day

Flossing Removes food and plaque from areas tooth brush cannot reach Once a day, before bedtime

Wearing a Mouthguard During any contact sport to prevent breaking or cracking teeth

Sports Drinks, Soft Drinks, and Water

Dental Checkups Dental checkups should be twice a year Fluoride added to many drinking waters to bind with teeth enamel so it is stronger and more resistant to decay

Treating Tooth Decay Cavity – when teeth are not properly cleaned Dentist drills a hole to remove decay and fills the hole If not treated, decay goes into the root Removal of tooth or root canal therapy – infected pulp removed and rubber-like material added

Treating Gum Disease Plaque can damage gums If plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it hardens into tartar, leading to periodontal disease Gingivitis – first stage of periodontal disease – red, swollen, bleeding gums