TEETH

WHAT ARE TEETH MADE OUT OF?

PARTS OF THE COMMON TOOTH

THERE ARE 4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEETH

• Incisors
• Cannines
• Pre molar
• Molar
• (First teeth are sometimes called "baby teeth".

BABY TEETH

• This is referred to the teeth that you have as a kid. Eventually will fall out over time, "adult teeth" replacing them.

INCISORS

• There are four incisors in each arch. Two central incisors and two lateral incisors.
• Location – the central incisors are side by side at the midline. There is a lateral incisor on each side of the central incisors.
• Shape – single rooted, crowns are arched and angle toward one sharp incisal edge.
• Function – to cut or incise food with their thin edges.

CANINES

• There are two canines in each arch. They are sometimes referred to as cuspids.
• Location – next to the lateral incisors, establishes the cornering of the arches.
• Shape – anchored with the longest root, one pointed cusp.
• Function – used for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Referred to as the cornerstone of the mouth.

PREMOLARS

• There are for premolars in each arch. Two first premolars and two second premolars. They are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. There are no premolars in the primary dentition.
• Location – first premolars are next to the canines followed by the second premolars.
• Shape – maxillary first premolars have a bifurcated root, all others have one root, one prominent cusp with one or two lesser lingual cusps.
• Function – holding food, like canines because they have cusps; also to crush food.

MOLARS

• There are three molars in each arch of the permanent dentition. Two first molars, two second molars and two third molars. Third molars are sometimes called wisdom teeth. There are two molars in each arch of the primary dentition. Two first molars and two second molars.
• Location – first molars are next to the second premolars, second molars next to the first molars and third molars next to the second molars. The third molars are the farthest teeth in the mouth.
• Shape – bifurcated or trifurcated roots, broad chewing surfaces with four to five cusps.
• Function – grinding food.

HOW TO CARE FOR TEETH

• Brush teeth at least twice a day.
• Don't eat too many sweets.
• Visit dentist twice a year.
• Floss at least once a day.

WHAT ARE CAVITIES AND HOW ARE THEY CAUSED?

• Permanently damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes.
• Bacteria causes a build up of plaque.
• Plaque acid attacks the tooth.
• Tooth will eventually rot away if untreated.

WHAT ARE BRACES?

• devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person's bite, while also working to improve dental health.

BRACES CAN MAKE IT A LITTLE HARDER.

• More detailed brushing above and under wire/brackets.
• Floss threaders are used to go under wire to floss teeth.
• "Christmas tree brush" is just a little brush to go under wire to get places that the standard tooth brush can not get.
• This process of brushing is done at least twice-three times a day or after meals.