B6.3 : Teeth Flashcards
1
Q
Types of teeth
A
- Incisor
- Canine
- Molar
- Pre-Molar
2
Q
Incisor
A
- To cut and bite food
- Small rectangular shaped teeth
- In between canines
- Flat
3
Q
Canine
A
- Bite and tear food
2. Sharp pointed teeth
4
Q
Molar
A
- grind hard food
- found behind the pre-molar
- flat, large surface area
5
Q
Pre-Molar
A
- Grind soft food
- found between canines and molars
- shape is transitioning between canine and molar
- still sharp but larger surface area than canine
6
Q
Parts of the teeth
A
- Enamel
- Dentine
- Pulp
- Cementum
7
Q
Enamel
A
- strongest substance in the body
- made from calcium salts and protects the inner tooth
- hardest tissue in the body
8
Q
Dentine
A
- growing living tissue of the bone
- made from calcium ions which are laid on a mesh of collagen (type of protein) fibres
- Harder than the bone
9
Q
Pulp
A
- contains blood supply that provides nutrients
- contains nerve endings to detect pain (nerves are located in the pulp)
- softer tissue
10
Q
Cementum
A
- extension of enamel (not as strong)
- made from calcium ions which are laid on a mesh of collagen fibres
- responsible for keeping the tooth in the jaw
- anchors the tooth
11
Q
Causes of dental decay
A
- Bacteria are present on the surface of our teeth. Food deposits and bacteria form a layer called plaque. Bacteria on the plaque feed on sugars, producing acid through respiration. This acid dissolves enamel, forming a hole.
- Dentine underneath the enamel is softer – it dissolves more rapidly.
- If the hole reaches the pulp cavity, bacterial infection can get to the nerve. This results in toothache and possibly, an abscess (an infection in the jaw).
12
Q
Fluorine
A
- Using toothpaste with fluorine can help to reduce and avoid tooth decay
- Fluorine strengthens the enamel and reduces the damage from acids
- It also makes it more resistant to decay
