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
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