teeth

Section B: Life Processes

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Mechanical/ Physical Digestion
• The teeth are responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller

particles. This initial breakdown increases the surface area of the food, making

it easier for digestive enzymes to act on it. Chewing, or mastication, also mixes

food with saliva, forming a cohesive mass called bolus, which can be easily

swallowed and transported to the stomach.

Increased Surface Area
• The mechanical action of chewing exposes a greater surface area of the food to

digestive enzymes. This increased surface area allows for more efficient chemical

digestion, as enzymes can more effectively break down the complex molecules

present in food into simpler ones that can be absorbed by the body.
Promotion of Swallowing
• Chewing also helps in the formation of a bolus that is easy to swallow.

Swallowing is a coordinated muscular action that transports the chewed food from

the mouth to the esophagus, marking the beginning of the journey through the

digestive tract.
Initiation of Digestive Enzyme Action
• Saliva, produced by the salivary glands in the mouth, contains enzymes such as

amylase, which begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates. Chewing helps mix

food with saliva, initiating the breakdown of starches into simpler sugars.
 The Structure and Function of a
Typical Tooth
• External Structure:

Crown:
• The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the
gumline.
• It is covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the
human body, which protects the tooth from wear and tear.
Gingiva (Gum):
• Surrounds the tooth and provides support.
• The gingiva covers the neck of the tooth and protects the
sensitive root area.
Neck:
• The neck is the juncture between the crown and the root.
Root:
• The root anchors the tooth into the jawbone.
• The number and shape of roots vary among tooth types.
Enamel:
• Hardest and outermost layer of the tooth.
• Protects the tooth from decay and damage.
Dentin:
• Lies beneath the enamel and makes up the bulk of the
tooth.
• Softer than enamel but harder than the innermost layer
(pulp).
Pulp Cavity:
• Located at the center of the tooth.
• Contains the pulp, which consists of connective
tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
• Internal Structure:
Pulp:
• The pulp is a soft, living tissue at the center of the tooth.
• It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
• Nourishes the tooth and provides sensory functions.
Root Canal:
• The root canal is a space inside the root that houses nerves and blood vessels.
• Connects the pulp cavity to the tissues surrounding the root.
• Cementum:
• Covers the tooth's roots, providing a surface for the attachment of the periodontal
ligament.
• Helps anchor the tooth to the jawbone.
Periodontal Ligament:
• Connects the cementum to the alveolar bone, securing the tooth in its socket.
 Tooth Decay
• Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common dental problem

that occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel of the

teeth.
 Causes of Tooth Decay
Bacteria:
• Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus: These
bacteria are commonly found in the mouth and can
produce acids as they feed on sugars and starches
from food particles.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
• Inadequate brushing and flossing allow the
accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria
and food debris on the teeth. Plaque buildup
leads to acid production and enamel erosion.
Diet High in Sugars and Starches:
• Consuming a diet rich in sugary and starchy foods
provides fuel for bacteria, leading to increased
acid production. Sugars are converted into acids
by bacteria in the mouth.
Inadequate Fluoride:
• Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it
more resistant to acid attacks. Lack of fluoride,
either in water or dental products, can increase the
risk of tooth decay.
Poorly Shaped Teeth:
• Teeth with deep grooves or pits may trap food
particles and bacteria, making them more susceptible
to decay.
Inadequate Dental Care:
• Infrequent dental check-ups and professional
cleanings can result in undetected dental issues and
the progression of decay.
Genetic Factors:
• Genetic factors can influence the strength of tooth
enamel and an individual's susceptibility to tooth
 The Process of Tooth Decay
Formation of Dental Plaque: Spread to Dentin:
• The oral cavity is home to a variety of bacteria, including
• If left untreated, the decay progresses beyond the enamel and
Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. These bacteria, along with
others, form a sticky, colorless film on the teeth known as dental
reaches the dentin, a softer tissue underneath the enamel.
plaque. Dentin is more vulnerable to bacterial penetration, and decay
can spread more rapidly.
Interaction with Sugars and Starches:
• When you consume foods and beverages containing sugars and starches, Pulp Involvement:
these bacteria in dental plaque interact with the sugars to produce
• The decay can further progress into the pulp, which contains
acids through a process known as fermentation. Sugars and starches are
converted into acids, particularly lactic acid.
nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This stage can
lead to tooth sensitivity and pain.
Acid Attack on Enamel:
• The acids produced by bacteria lower the pH in the oral environment.
• Inflammation and infection of the pulp can occur, leading to
This acidic environment leads to the demineralization of the enamel, abscess formation.
which is the hard outer surface of the tooth.
Spread to Surrounding Structures:
• Calcium and phosphate minerals are leached from the enamel, causing it
to lose minerals and become weaker. • If tooth decay is still not addressed, the infection can spread
to the surrounding structures, including the bone supporting
Formation of Cavities:
the tooth. This can result in more severe complications and may
• As the enamel is continuously weakened by acid attacks, it eventually
even lead to tooth loss.
breaks down, forming small openings or cavities in the tooth surface.
• Cavities may initially appear as white spots on the enamel, indicating Tooth Loss:
the early stages of demineralization. • In advanced stages of decay, the tooth may become so
compromised that it cannot be saved, leading to extraction or
loss.
 Care of the Teeth
• Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a
day using fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle
toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes,
covering all surfaces of your teeth.
• Proper Brushing Technique: Ensure you're using
the right brushing technique. Angle your brush at 45
degrees to the gums, using short, back-and-forth
strokes.

• Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food • Replace Toothbrush: Change your toothbrush every
particles between teeth. This helps prevent cavities three to four months or soon as the bristles get
and gum disease in areas where your toothbrush frayed.
may not reach.

• Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-

ups, typically every six months. Professional
cleanings and examinations help detect issues early
and maintain overall oral health.