B6.3 : Teeth

Question 1

Types of teeth

Answer 1

1. Incisor
2. Canine
3. Molar
4. Pre-Molar

Question 2

Incisor

Answer 2

1. To cut and bite food
2. Small rectangular shaped teeth
3. In between canines
4. Flat

Question 3

Canine

Answer 3

1. Bite and tear food

2. Sharp pointed teeth

Question 4

Molar

Answer 4

1. grind hard food
2. found behind the pre-molar
3. flat, large surface area

Question 5

Pre-Molar

Answer 5

1. Grind soft food
2. found between canines and molars
3. shape is transitioning between canine and molar
4. still sharp but larger surface area than canine

Question 6

Parts of the teeth

Answer 6

1. Enamel
2. Dentine
3. Pulp
4. Cementum

Question 7

Enamel

Answer 7

1. strongest substance in the body
2. made from calcium salts and protects the inner tooth
3. hardest tissue in the body

Question 8

Dentine

Answer 8

1. growing living tissue of the bone
2. made from calcium ions which are laid on a mesh of collagen (type of protein) fibres
3. Harder than the bone

Question 9

Pulp

Answer 9

1. contains blood supply that provides nutrients
2. contains nerve endings to detect pain (nerves are located in the pulp)
3. softer tissue

Question 10

Cementum

Answer 10

1. extension of enamel (not as strong)
2. made from calcium ions which are laid on a mesh of collagen fibres
3. responsible for keeping the tooth in the jaw
4. anchors the tooth

Question 11

Causes of dental decay

Answer 11

1. 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.
2. Dentine underneath the enamel is softer – it dissolves more rapidly.
3. 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).

Question 12

Fluorine

Answer 12

1. Using toothpaste with fluorine can help to reduce and avoid tooth decay
2. Fluorine strengthens the enamel and reduces the damage from acids
3. It also makes it more resistant to decay