Did you knowthat your teethare meant tolast throughoutyour entire life?

Lets take a look at some of their functionsThey Sure Are!

How aboutchewing?Can you imaginetrying to bite intoan apple or yourfavorite pizzawithout your frontteeth?

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

Thats what your back teeth (molars) were designed to do --- grind food for easy swallowing.

What about the way you talk?

Thats 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 tolaugh!

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

Thats why its important to do our best to take care of them!

Lets 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 thatsweet, stickysnacks are harmfulto your teeth?

Thats right!Each day a thin film of plaque grows on your teeth.

This plaque containsgerms (bacteria).

Each time you drinka soda, munch on a bagof chips, or eat a candybar, the food (sugar) left on your teeth becomes a meal for these germs(bacteria).

They (the bacteria)produce a harmfulsubstance called acid, which can destroy your teeth.

Each acid attack lastsabout 20 minutes.

After repeated acidattacks, your teethbecome weak, and a hole or cavity isformed.

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, butThese germs (bacteria) create another problem

They cause your gums tobecome sore and bleed.

Its called gum disease or gingivitis.

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

Huh? Like what?

Contact sportsSo be sure to wear amouth 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, andsee a dentist within 30 minutes.

HabitsDont use your teeth to:

Cut things Hold onto pens/pencilsBite nailsCrack nutsCrunch iceOpen bottles or hairpins

Tobacco

All tobacco productsare harmful, including chew!

They cause:Stained teethBad breathGum diseaseAddictionMouth and throat cancer

Oral PiercingThis new fashion cancause some serious and painful problems

Chipped teethInfectionNerve damageAllergic reactionRisk for diseases like hepatitis, tetanus and HIV www.mcgrathdental.com

Now lets take a look at how often you should brush and floss your teeth.Oh no, dont tell me you forget sometimes

Brush for two minutes twice each day with asoft bristled toothbrush.

(Be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride in it!)

Proper BrushingTilt 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 ProgramMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

More on Proper BrushingUse short back-and-forth or circular strokes.

Dont forget to brush yourtongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath!

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health ProgramMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

Floss your teeth once each day to remove plaque that your toothbrush cant reach in between your teeth.

Proper FlossingNow, gently follow the curves of your teeth, sliding the floss up and down the tooths 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 ProgramMissouri 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 professionalcleaning.

(X-rays will also be taken to lookfor cavities and other problems.)

Now that you know these factsTake good care ofyour teeth and gumsto 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 ServicesOral Health Program

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