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Do You Know Your Teeth?
The part of the tooth you can see is called the crown. The rounded high parts of the back teeth are cusps. The hard white outer covering of the tooth is the enamel.
The root of the tooth is below the gumline and cannot be seen. It is the root that holds the tooth in the jawbone . The inner portions of the tooth consist of the dentin, a bonelike tissue, and the pulp. The pulp is like a house for the nerves and blood vessels at the centre of the crown and root.
Teeth have different shapes for different jobs. For example, when you eat, the upper teeth work together with the lower teeth of the same shape to bite, chew, and tear food. The names of these teeth are:
Incisors
There are eight incisors located in the front of the mouth (four on the top and four on the bottom). They have sharp, chisel-shaped crowns that cut food.
Cuspids
The four cuspids are next to each incisor. Cuspids have a pointed edge to tear food.
Premolars
Also called bicuspids, the four pairs of molars are located next to the cuspids. They crush and tear food.
Molars
There are twelve molars, in sets of three, at the back of the mouth. They have wide surfaces that help to grind food.
Adults have 32 teeth. Depending on their age, children may have fewer because they lose baby teeth as adult teeth grow.
In addition to chewing, teeth help you to speak clearly. The shape of the arch inside the mouth helps you talk. Many letters of the alphabet cannot be sounded without the help of teeth.
Teeth also give your face its shape and add to the way you look. Not only do clean, healthy teeth help you look good, they contribute to total body health and well-being as well. And a smile always helps you look your best!
Why should I keep my teeth healthy?
Healthy teeth and gums are important for many reasons. Teeth bite, tear, and chew food when you eat. Teeth also help you speak clearly. Many letters of the alphabet cannot be sounded without the help of teeth (try saying "healthy teeth"). Clean, healthy teeth help keep the rest of your body healthy, too. And a sparkling smile always helps you look and feel your best!
Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth healthy & strong:
- Ask your dental hygienist to teach you how to brush & floss correctly.
- Don't eat sugary foods (like sweets) or starchy foods (like crisps) in between meals. Instead, try eating an apple, banana, or carrot. Drink milk instead of fizzy drinks.
At what age do children start to loose their baby teeth? And how long does it take until all adult teeth are in place?
Children can start loosing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by age 12 to 13. Some people have third molars which are sometimes called "wisdom teeth" these can appear after age 16.
Should children use a different toothbrush than adults?
Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing planes in proportion to the size of their mouths. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily manoeuvred into small spaces in their mouth. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it's a good idea to toss those brushes after colds or sore throats!
Should children use the same toothpaste as adults?
All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavour you prefer. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.
Why are sweets and other sugary foods bad for teeth?
Sugar on the tooth surface is changed to acid within 5 minutes time. The acid acts to dissolve the tooth surface. When this happens often enough, the tooth surface breaks down. At first you see white spots (known as areas of demineralization), then dental decay occurs.
How many times each day should teeth be brushed? And when?
The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra times you brush during the day are great particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods.
How to Brush Your Teeth:
1. Hold the brush with bristles pointing towards the gums at a 45 degree angle.
2. Move the brush so it sweeps over the gums and teeth towards the biting surfaces.
3. Brush the teeth of each jaw separately.
4. Brush the outer surfaces of your teeth first, then the inner surfaces of your teeth.
5. Brush the upper teeth downwards, the lower teeth upwards.
6. Use short, gentle strokes.
7. Use a scrubbing motion to clean the chewing surfaces.
8. Remember brush the inner as well as the outer surfaces!
9. Brush each area at least 10 times. In total, each time you brush your teeth you should brush for a minimum of 2 minutes or 120 seconds!
10. For fresh breath be sure to brush your tongue too!