teeth

• Adult teeth


  32 teeth
• Teeth


  • Arranged symmetrically in the upper and lower jaw
  • Four different types

  
• Types of teeth


  • Incisors
  • Canines
  • Premolars
  • Molars

  
• Enamel


  Hard substance teeth are made from

  
• Incisors


  • Shaped like a shovel with a sharp cutting edge
  • Function: cut and slice food
• Canines


  • Longer and stronger than incisors, rooted deeply into the bones of the jaw
  • Function: pierce food and tear piece off
• Premolars


  • Wide surface with 4 cusps or elevations
  • Function: crush and grind food
• Molars


  • Largest of the permanent set of teeth, with 4, and often 5 cusps for grinding
  • Function: crush and grind food

  
• Tooth structure


  • Crown: portion above the gum line
  • Root: embedded in the gum

  
• Parts of a tooth

  • Pulp
  • Cementum
  • Dentin
  • Enamel
  • Root canal

  
• Bacteria causes a build up of plaque
• Plaque acid attacks the tooth
• The tooth eventually rots away
• Tooth decay


  Acid-forming foods left on the teeth, mouth, and tongue de-mineralize tooth enamel, causing cavities or holes
• Ways to replace missing teeth

  • Dental bridge or pontic
  • Implants
  • Dentures
• Ways to keep teeth healthy

  • Brush regularly
  • Visit the dentist
  • Floss
  • Eat sensibly
  • Look after your gums