Your Teeth
Clean teeth are
the foundation of a dazzling smile. Teeth that are strong and healthy are vital
for both beauty and health. Food digestion is aided by chewing it properly.
Your teeth also have an impact on how you talk and how your face is shaped.
People used to believe that growing old meant losing teeth. However, excellent
dental hygiene practiced from a young age can help your teeth survive a
lifetime.
Teeth Structure
and Function The crown, the neck, and the root are the three primary components
of each tooth in your mouth. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth
above the gum line. The neck is the area right below the gum line where the
crown and root meet. The root is the portion of the tooth that inserts into the
jawbone below the gum line. Figure 2 -13 depicts these three primary
components.
There are four
types of tissue that make up a tooth. The crown is covered with enamel [ih NAM
ul], a white, compact calcium-containing substance. The toughest material in
your body is enamel. It is even tougher than bone.
Dentin is the
layer behind the hard enamel. Dentin is softer than enamel and makes up the
body of the tooth, extending into the root. The pulp is held in the dentin. The pulp
is a soft tissue that contains nerve fibres and tiny blood vessels. The pulp is
stored in the middle of the tooth and extends into the jawbone through canals
in the roots. The nerves are cushioned by the soft tissue of the pulp. Heat,
cold, pressure, and pain all affect the nerves.
The tooth is
nourished by the blood vessels. Cementum is the tooth's fourth kind of tissue.
Cementum [sih MEN tum] is a sensitive, bone-like substance that surrounds the
tooth's base.
Your teeth play a
critical part in the preparation of food for consumption by your body. Each
tooth has a specific function. The incisors [in SY zur], the sharp front teeth
used to cut food, may be seen in Figure 2-13. Take note of their crisp, flat
edges. Canines are sharp teeth that rip food into tiny bits. The cuspids are
another name for them. Premolars are double-pointed teeth that rip and smash
food. Molars are a type of big tooth with many rounded tips that crush food
into little pieces.
Two sets of teeth
appear during a person's lifespan. The primary teeth, or initial set of teeth,
are formed before birth. By the age of three, most children's main teeth have
fully developed. Permanent teeth, which make up the second set of teeth, emerge
at the age of six and continue to grow out throughout time. The roots of the
primary teeth disintegrate when the permanent teeth grow in. Permanent teeth
eventually push out the primary tooth's remaining components. A total of 12
permanent teeth will emerge.
The six-year
molars are usually the first permanent teeth. Six-year molars emerge from
behind primary teeth and do not replace them. Between the ages of six and
seven, these molars emerge. The six-year molars aid in the positioning of the
other permanent teeth and provide support when primary teeth are gone and
permanent teeth emerge. The
incisors, canines, premolars, and second molars grow in the following order:
incisors, canines, premolars, and second molars. Around the age of 12, the
second molars emerge. If there is enough room, the third molars, often known as
wisdom teeth, grow in behind the second molars. Wisdom teeth usually develop
between the ages of 17 and 21.
Dental Issues
Decay and gum
disease are the most frequent dental issues. The anatomy of the jaws and the
spacing of the teeth are two more dental issues.
Caries in the
teeth: Tooth decay, often known as dental caries, is one of the most prevalent
illnesses in humans. Dental caries, if left untreated, will eventually lead to
cavities. Cavities are holes in the enamel caused by deterioration.
Plaque is the
start of tooth decay. Plaque [plak] is a whitish coating of bacteria, saliva,
and food particles that forms on the surface of the mouth. If the teeth are
left on. Bacteria break down carbohydrates and sugars, releasing an acid that
can eat away at tooth enamel. The amount of sugar consumed is not the only
factor that contributes to tooth decay. It's also crucial to consider how long
sugar stays in the mouth and how often sugar is consumed. Figure 2-14
depicts the decaying process of teeth.
If a tooth's
enamel is damaged, a dentist may prescribe a filling to replace the affected
region. Silver, tin, and mercury are frequently utilised. The dentist
eliminates any decay from the tooth before placing the filling.
This stops germs
from developing decay further into the tooth's dentin and pulp, which may be
exceedingly painful.
Furthermore, infection
may result in the pulp's death. Pulp injury can also be caused by a hard impact
to the tooth. If the pulp dies, the tooth should be treated to save it and
avoid bacterial infection of adjacent healthy tissues.
Malocclusion:
Malocclusions are issues caused by an overbite or underbite, as seen in Figure
2-15. When the mouth is closed, a malocclusion [mal uh KLOO zhun] is a
condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly. As a
result, the teeth are unable to properly bite, chew, or grind food.
Digestion issues
arise as a result of this. Speech can also be hampered by malocclusion.
Malocclusion can lead to tooth decay or gum disease because improperly
positioned teeth are difficult to clean.
Braces placed on
the teeth by a dentist or orthodontist may treat most occurrences of
malocclusion. In severe cases of malocclusion, surgery to improve the form or
size of the jawbones may be required.
Pus may accumulate
in the pocket, hurting the gums and bone tissue even more. It's possible that
bone loss will occur, causing the teeth to loosen. The teeth will ultimately
fall out or need to be removed if the condition is not treated. Consult your
dentist if your gums bleed easily.
Oral cancers are
defined as uncontrolled cell proliferation that invades and destroys other
tissues. The fast development of abnormal cells in the mouth characterises oral
cancer. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including sores or
tumours. Some aberrant cell growths in the mouth aren't cancerous.
For example,
leukoplakia [loo kuh PLAK ee uh] is a mouth illness characterised by white
spots on the cheeks, gums, tongue, or lips. It isn't a kind of cancer, although
it can lead to it. If your doctor notices indications of leukoplakia, he or she
may remove a sample of the tissue and test it for cancer cells. The issue can
be cured with early identification and treatment. Oral cancer is
caused by the use of any type of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, and
alcohol.
Dental Hygiene
The foundation of
good oral hygiene is cautious diet choices. Eating a well-balanced diet on a
daily basis helps to avoid tooth decay. Taking care of your teeth on a daily
basis is critical for both avoiding decay and maintaining the health of your
gums.
Brushing and
flossing are essential for good dental hygiene. Oral cancer is caused by the use of
any type of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, and alcohol. Plaque may be
removed by brushing your teeth properly at least once a day. Brush your teeth
with a flat, soft toothbrush that can reach all of them. Use brief, gentle
back-and-forth strokes with the toothbrush, angled against the teeth. Do this
to your teeth's outsides, insides, and tops. Use the front end of your
toothbrush to brush the insides of your front teeth in an up-and-down motion.
Plaque between
your teeth cannot be removed by brushing. It is also unable to clean behind the
gums. As a result, flossing every day to remove plaque and food from between
the teeth and beneath the gums is essential. Wind about 18 inches of dental
floss over your fingers in the manner.
Gently scrape the
floss down the interior of the tooth between the gums and the tooth. To avoid
injuring the gums, this should be done with caution. As you clean each tooth,
switch to a fresh section of dental floss.
Brushing and
flossing your teeth can also assist to keep your breath fresh. When people do
not properly care for their teeth, it can lead to bad breath. If your foul
breath remains after flossing and brushing your teeth on a regular basis, you
should consult a doctor. Fluoride has been shown to aid in the prevention of
dental disorders. Fluoride [FLAWR yd] is a flavourless, odourless substance
that binds to tooth enamel to strengthen it and make it more resistant to
decay. Fluoride is now added to the public water supply in several places.
Dental
Examinations
For the prevention
of tooth and gum disease, a regular dental checkup is essential. Checkups
should be done on a regular basis. on a regular basis, once or twice a year, or
as your dentist recommends Regular dental appointments allow for early
detection and treatment of issues. Treatment will be more effective and less
expensive as a result.
A dentist will
generally see a variety of tasks being completed. Professional teeth cleaning is
provided without charge. Any calculus on the teeth is removed during the teeth
cleaning. A dental hygienist is a professional that specialises in teeth
cleaning.
Your dentist may
also take x-rays of your teeth if necessary; x-rays aid in the detection of
dental issues that are not visible to the naked eye. In addition, the dentist
will examine your teeth for symptoms of caries or gum disease.
Review of the
Lesson
The toughest substance in your body is the enamel on your teeth. They come in a variety of forms, each of which is connected to their function in breaking down food for digestion. The most frequent dental problems may be avoided with a healthy diet and good oral care. Braces are commonly used to treat biting issues. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are all part of good dental hygiene.