31st March 2021 Wednesday

Dental decay

 Tooth decay and gum disease are common problems.

 Both are caused by bacteria.
 Some of these bacteria, together with substances from your saliva,
form a sticky film over your teeth, especially next to the gums and in
between the teeth. This is called plaque. Plaque is soft and easy to
remove at first, but if it is left it hardens to form tartar, which cannot
be removed by brushing.

Gum disease

 If plaque is not removed, the bacteria in it may infect the gums.

 The gums swell, become inflamed, and may bleed when you brush
your teeth.
 This is usually painless, but if the bacteria are allowed to spread they
may work down around the root of the tooth. The tooth becomes
loose, and needs removing

Tooth decay

 If sugar is left on the teeth, bacteria in the plaque will feed on it,
use it in respiration, changing it into acid.
 The acid gradually dissolves the enamel covering the tooth and
works its way into the dentine
 Dentine is dissolved away more rapidly than the enamel.
 If nothing is done about it the tooth will eventually have to be taken
out.
 Taking care of teeth
Self: write any five points for how to take good care of
teeth