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Understanding Teeth Structure and Care

Teeth consist of a crown, root, enamel, dentine, and a pulp cavity, with each type of tooth serving specific functions such as biting, tearing, and grinding food. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria dissolve calcium salts in enamel and dentine, leading to cavities and potential pain when the pulp is affected. Proper dental care includes avoiding sugary foods, regular brushing, using fluoride, and visiting a dentist to maintain oral health.

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5 views3 pages

Understanding Teeth Structure and Care

Teeth consist of a crown, root, enamel, dentine, and a pulp cavity, with each type of tooth serving specific functions such as biting, tearing, and grinding food. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria dissolve calcium salts in enamel and dentine, leading to cavities and potential pain when the pulp is affected. Proper dental care includes avoiding sugary foods, regular brushing, using fluoride, and visiting a dentist to maintain oral health.

Uploaded by

cherylzenda02
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Teeth

Structure

The part of a tooth that is visible above the gum line is called the crown. The gum is tissue
that overlays the jaws. The rest, embedded in the jaw bone, is called the root (Figure 7.17).
The surface of the crown is covered by a very hard layer of enamel.

This layer is replaced by cement in the root, which enables the tooth to grip to its bony socket
in the jaw. Below the enamel is a layer of dentine. Dentine is softer than enamel.

The enamel and dentine layers are non-living.

Inside the dentine is a pulp cavity, containing nerves and blood vessels. These enter the tooth
through a small hole at the base of the root. The pulp cavity is living.
Functions of teeth

Incisor: biting and cutting soft foods

Canine: tearing and ripping foods like meat

Molar ( premolar and molar): crushing and grinding hard foods

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by acid which dissolves calcium salts in the enamel and dentine.

When we eat, some food particles remain stuck on the teeth surface, these food particles are
called plaque.

Bacteria in the mouth will use the plaque during anaerobic respiration to produce acids (lactic
acid).

The acid will dissolve calcium salts in the enamel therefore creating small holes known as
cavities.

Over a long period of time, acid will deepen the cavity and the cavity will reach the dentine.

The person does not experience pain at all since the enamel and dentine are non-living.

Eventually the cavity will reach the pulp layer where the acid will irritate the nerve endings.
At this stage the person experiences pain – toothache.

When the cavity has reached the pulp cavity the tooth is completely decayed and has to be
removed. However when the cavity is still within the enamel or dentine, tooth filling can be
done to prevent further deepening of the cavity.
Caring for teeth

1. Avoid eating too much sugary foods. This reduces or avoids formation of plaque.
2. Brush teeth at least twice a day or after meals. This removes any plaque so acid will not
be formed.
3. Use alkaline toothpaste. This creates alkaline conditions which are nor favourable to
bacteria.
4. Avoid eating snacks in-between meals. This reduces formation of plaque.
5. Eat a balanced diet. This will ensure formation and maintenance of strong teeth.
6. Change your toothbrush after every 3 months.
7. Visit a dentist regularly e.g. after every 6 months for check-ups and advise on caring for
teeth.
8. Eat fibrous foods e.g. apples after meals. These will remove some of the plaque.
9. Drink fluorinated water. Fluorine makes teeth resistant to acid i.e. strengthen teeth.
10. Use mouthwash. It removes plaque and creates alkaline conditions not favoured by
bacteria.
11. Use dental floss to remove food particles stuck in between teeth. Avoid use of toothpicks
or sewing thread since they damage gums.
12. Avoid biting hard objects e.g. stones and metal.

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