Did you know that your teeth are meant to last throughout your entire life?

Let’s take a look at some of their functions… They Sure Are!

How about chewing? Can you imagine trying to bite into an apple or your favorite pizza without your front teeth?

Your front teeth (incisors) were designed to “bite into” things.

How about these? Can you imagine trying to swallow a piece of meat without chewing it up first? ouch

That’s what your back teeth (molars) were designed to do --- “grind food” for easy swallowing.

What about the way you talk? That’s because our teeth help us to pronounce words, by keeping our tongue in place.

And the way you laugh? Sometimes things are funny, and we just have to laugh!

Our teeth are very important for not only smiling, but also for how we look and feel about ourselves. And smile…

That’s why it’s important to do our best to take care of them!

Let’s talk about some things you can do…

What about the foods you eat? Do they include: Grains? Fruits/Vegetables? Meat? Dairy?

How about snacking? Did you know that sweet, “sticky” snacks are harmful to your teeth?

That’s right! Each day a thin film of plaque grows on your teeth. This plaque contains “germs” (bacteria).

Each time you drink a soda, munch on a bag of chips, or eat a candy bar, the food (sugar) left on your teeth becomes a “meal” for these germs (bacteria).

They (the bacteria) produce a harmful substance called “acid,” which can destroy your teeth.

Each “acid attack” lasts about 20 minutes. After repeated “acid attacks,” your teeth become weak, and a hole or “cavity” is formed.

Choose healthy snacks Have fewer snacks/drinks that are sugary or sticky. Rinse your mouth afterward if you are not able to brush right away. To reduce these “acid attacks”…

Not only that, but… These “germs” (bacteria) create another problem… They cause your gums to become sore and bleed. It’s called “gum disease” or “gingivitis.”

Did you know that certain activities and habits can harm your teeth? Huh? Like what?

Contact sports… So be sure to wear a mouth guard and protective equipment. If a tooth gets knocked out, do not touch the wound site, keep the tooth wet in some milk or a moist cloth, do NOT rinse the tooth under running water, and see a dentist within 30 minutes.

Habits… Don’t use your teeth to: Cut things Hold onto pens/pencils Bite nails Crack nuts Crunch ice Open bottles or hairpins

Tobacco… All tobacco products are harmful, including “chew!” They cause: Stained teeth Bad breath Gum disease Addiction Mouth and throat cancer

Oral Piercing… This new fashion can cause some serious and painful problems… Chipped teeth Infection Nerve damage Allergic reaction Risk for diseases like hepatitis, tetanus and HIV

Now let’s take a look at how often you should brush and floss your teeth. Oh no, don’t tell me you forget sometimes …

Brush for two minutes twice each day with a soft bristled toothbrush. (Be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride in it!)

Proper Brushing Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline. Brush only 2-3 teeth at a time, gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

More on Proper Brushing 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

Floss your teeth once each day to remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach in between your teeth.

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

And to be sure your teeth and gums are healthy… 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 that you know these facts… Take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. And remember… your teeth were meant to last your whole life...

Keep Brushing and Flossing! Special thanks to: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program