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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

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

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

14. Sports Drinks, Soft Drinks, and Water

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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