11 SCIENCE of TOOTH DECAY and GUM DISEASE

SCIENCE of TOOTH DECAY and GUM DISEASE

Bacteria are tiny one-celledorganisms (germs) found in your saliva (spit) and can only be seen through a microscope

Bacteria multiply in your mouth and create a sticky film on your teeth called plaque (plak)

Plaque is colorless and you can’t see it on your teeth!

Tiny bits of food stick to the plaque when you eat. Bacteria in the plaque eat the sugar and starch left in your mouth, and ACID is formed.

acidThis acid makes tiny holes in the

enamel of your tooth.

As more acid is madethe holes get bigger

and deeper.

Your tooth begins to decay, which means to break down or rot away, and now you have a cavity!

Baby teeth, also called milk teeth and primary teeth, are important and must stay healthy until our permanent teeth are ready to come in.

Baby teeth help a child: learn to eat solid food learn to talk

to save a space for the permanent tooth

You can help prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay!

GingivitisGingivitis

Healthy teeth

must have

healthy gums!

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily helps get rid of the bacteria in plaque that can infect your gums

• Brush at least twice a day• Use a fluoride toothpaste

• Floss between teeth every day• Visit a dentist 2 times each year

(if possible)

• Brush at least twice a day• Use a fluoride toothpaste

• Floss between teeth every day• Visit a dentist 2 times each year

(if possible)

The CHOICES

YOU make and

what YOU do every day is

MOST IMPORTANT

The CHOICES

YOU make and

what YOU do every day is

MOST IMPORTANT

2

ORAL HEALTH & SAFETY

NutritionDental emergenciesMouthguard safety

Grains

Vegetables

Fruits

Milk

Meat & Fish Beans & Nuts

Fats, oils, and sweets are at the top of the Pyramid.A healthy diet is one that is low in fat and sugar!

Grains

GREAT source

o

f vita

min

B!

Grains like wheat, oats, corn, and rice

provide lots of vitamin B which is important for healthy gums!

Green vegetables are a good source

of calcium a mineral that builds strong tooth enamel

Vary your vegetables

Fruit Group

Focus on fruit

Fruits are rich in vitamin C

Germs (bacteria) cause gum disease and Vitamin C helps your body fight germs

Dairy

Milk, yogurt and cheese are greatsources of Calcium – needed forstrong bones and tooth enamel

Meat & Beans

Beans, nuts, and eggs are included in this group of foods rich in protein.

Beans, nuts, and eggs are included in this group of foods rich in protein.

Go lean with protein

If an accident knocks out a permanent tooth or a baby tooth, sometimes a dentist can put the tooth back into place and it can become rooted again.

If an accident knocks out a permanent tooth or a baby tooth, sometimes a dentist can put the tooth back into place and it can become rooted again.

Drop found tooth in a glass of milk or water

33 ORAL HYGIENE Plaque control

Fluoride How to keep your mouth

clean

• fluoride is a mineral • strengthens teeth • prevents tooth decay

• fluoride is a mineral • strengthens teeth • prevents tooth decay

Use a fluoride toothpasteUse a fluoride toothpaste

Brush at least twice a day

Use a fluoride toothpaste

Floss teeth every day

Visit a dentist regularly

(when possible)

Brush at least twice a day

Use a fluoride toothpaste

Floss teeth every day

Visit a dentist regularly

(when possible)

A D

AN

GE

RO

US

DR

UG

Don’t do it!

TOBACCO

Stained Teeth and Gum Disease Stained Teeth and Gum Disease

HAIRY TONGUE HAIRY TONGUE

Keep your mouth clean

Eat the right foods

Don’t use tobacco or other drugs

Wear a mouthguard

Visit a dentist twice a year