9 Health - 'Teeth'

pgs. 77-81

What are teeth?

These are structures that help in the physical breakdown of food.

What are the functions of teeth?

• To masticate (chew) food

• Gives the face its shape

• Helps with sound and speech

What are the two sets of teeth a person will have in their lifetime?

Temporary and Adult.

Describe temporary teeth.

• 20 teeth in total

• Does not contain molars

• Usually falls out and are replaced

Describe adult teeth.

• 32 teeth in total

• Contains 12 molars

• If lost, cannot be naturally replaced

What are the types of teeth?

• Incisors

• Canines

• Premolars

• Molars

Describe incisor teeth.

• Sharp, chisel-like teeth

• Used for cutting and biting

• Found at the front of the mouth

• 8 in total (4 on top, 4 on the bottom)

Describe canine teeth.

• Strong, pointed teeth

• Used for gripping and tearing

• Found at the sides of the mouth

• 4 in total (2 on top, 2 on the bottom)

Describe premolar teeth.

• Flat and pointed teeth

• Used for tearing and crushing

• Found at the sides of the mouth

• 8 in total (4 on top, 4 on the bottom)

Describe molar teeth.

• Large, broad and flat teeth

• Used for crushing and grinding

• Found at the back of the mouth

• Found only in the adult set of teeth

• 12 in total (6 on top, 6 on the bottom)

What are the parts of the tooth?

• Enamel

• Dentine

• Gum

• Pulp

• Cementum

• Bone

• Nerves & blood supply

What is the enamel?

The hard outer layer of the crown. The hardest substance in the body.

What is the dentine?

The living part of the tooth; forms the bulk of the tooth and can be sensitive if the protection of the enamel is lost.

What is the gum?

The protective barrier covering the jawbone that helps to hold the tooth in place.

What is pulp?

Soft tissue containing the blood and nerve supply to the tooth. This extends from the crown to the tip of the root.

What is the cementum?

The layer of bone-like tissue covering the root that holds the tooth in place.

What is the bone used for?

This provides a socket to surround and support the roots of the teeth.

Describe the nerves and blood supply.

Each tooth has a network of this, which makes teeth sensitive to a wide variety of stimuli, including texture and temperature. This supplies needed oxygen and nutrients to the living dentine tissue and removes waste.

What can poor dental hygiene result in?

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Bad breath

What is plaque?

A mixture of saliva, food particles, and bacteria.

What is tartar?

A calcified plague that attaches to the tooth and gum line.

Describe the process of tooth decay.

This begins when plaque creates a sticky paste that builds up on the surface of the tooth. The bacteria from the plaque and tartar produce acids that eat away and dissolve the enamel of the tooth, creating a cavity or hole. If infected, cavities can cause severe toothache.

What is gingivitis (gum disease) caused by?

When tartar forms around the gum line, causing inflammation.

Describe the process of gingivitis (gum disease).

It begins when tartar forms around the gum line and causes inflammation. The inflamed and swollen gum eventually pulls away from the tooth. Bacteria and toxins cause bleeding of the gum and the collection of pus around the tooth.

What does halitosis (bad breath) result from?

Results from poor dental hygiene (not brushing and flossing the teeth daily) that causes food particles to remain in the mouth, promoting the growth of bacteria between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue.