Teeth are very important part of human body. Humans use teeth to tear, grind, and chew food in the first step of digestion, enabling enzymes and lubricants released in the mouth to further break down food.
Teeth are the body’s hardest, most durable organ. Teeth provide structural support to muscles in the face and form the human smile. 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-
1) Incisors- The total no of incisors in our mouth is eight. Four on the top and four on the bottom. They have sharp, chisel-shaped crowns that cut food.
2) Cuspids- The four cuspids are next to each incisor. Cuspids have a pointed edge to tear food.
3) Premolars- Premolars are also known as bicuspids .There are four pairs of molars located next to the cuspids .they are used to crush and tear the food.
4) Molars- twelve molars are located in our mouth(In sets of three , at the back of mouth) Molars are used to grind the food.
The number of teeth in adults are 32 depending on their age but children may have fewer because they lose baby teeth as adult teeth grow.
There are four distinct type of tissue ,which make the human teeth.
1- enamel
2- dentin
3- pulp
4- cementum
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the outer layer of the tooth above the gum line. Enamel layer is about 0.16 cm thick .It also change the temperature from hot or cold food and protects the the inner layers of the teeth from harmful bacteria. Dentin is a hard mineral material, same as a human bone. It protects the pulp or core of the tooth. Pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. Blood vessels are used to provides oxygen and nutrients to the tooth. Nerves are used to transmit pain and temperature sensations to the brain. Cementum is the outer layer of the tooth that lies below the gum line. It is the bone like substance that anchors the tooth to the jawbone.
How to look after your teeth
1) Brush your teeth – brush regularly at least twice in a day. Brush your teeth in proper manner. start at one side of your mouth and move round to the other side, brushing all the tooth surfaces thoroughly ,use a gentle circular action ,pay particular attention to the gumline, angling the bristles into the crevice where the gums meet the teeth ,don't rinse your mouth with water after brushing. Always use fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay. use a toothbrush with a small head and soft or medium synthetic bristles and replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
2) Control sugar in your diet - Surgery food ,drinks are directly related to tooth decay. Some types of sugar are worse than others. Avoiding refined sugars between meals gives your teeth a chance to be remineralised by saliva. It is how often these sugars are eaten - rather than the amount - that is important. natural sugars that are much less likely to cause decay. Fruit, vegetables, cheese and milk all contain natural sugars.
3) Use mouthwash - To remineralise the enamel you can use fluoride mouthwashes. You can also use some antiseptic mouthwashes .it helps to reduce the number of plaque bacteria. Those antiseptic mouthwashes conaining chlorhexidine (eg Corsodyl) are very effective, but some times can stain the teeth and affect the sense of taste in the long-term. Always follow your dentist's advice and read the instructions on the box or bottle.
4) Alcohol and tobacco – Alcohal and Tabacco are the main risk factor of gum diseases and tooth decay. Alcoholic drinks, and the mixers used with them, often contain lots of sugar and respobsible for the tooth decay and other dental diseases. Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco are also responsible for mouth cancer. So avoid them.
5) Try disclosing tablets - These are small pills that, if crunched for 30 seconds, turn plaque a bright colour - usually pink. This can help you to see any areas that you have missed.
6) Visiting the dentist and hygienist - In preventing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and erosion Dentists and hygienists play an important role. Your dentist will give you advice about how often you should have a check-up. Children, and adults who are at high risk of developing dental disease, need to see a dentist more often. At check-ups, they will be able to detect any problems early, and provide advice and treatment.
Dental Diseases
Good oral health is vary important for every person. It affects the overall personality and lifestyle of human being. Poor oral health can lead to pain and tooth loss, affecting self-esteem and the ability to eat , laugh and smile.teeth are necessary part of our body to chew food and speak clearly. They also affect the appearance of your face and smile. It's important to look after them. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including tooth brushing and visiting your dentist or hygienist regularly, is a crucial part of caring for your teeth.
Smoking , alcohol , sugar are the main factor of dental diseases.
List of Dental Diseases:
• Gum Disease
-Gingivitis
-Periodontitis
• Abscessed tooth • Tooth Infection • Cold Sores • Pregnancy gingivitis • TMJ disorders • Impacted tooth • Dry socket • Thrush • Toothache • Tooth sensitivity |
• Dry mouth • Tooth loss • Canker sores • Cleft Lip Cleft Palate • Crooked teeth • Discoloration of teeth • Leukoplakia • Oral cancer • Pericoronitis • Plaque |