Teeth

Question 1

incisor

Answer 1

sharp cutting edge

cutting and biting of pieces of food

Question 2

canine

Answer 2

slightly more pointed than incisor

gripping and tearing food

Question 3

premolar

Answer 3

2 points (cusps) 
1 or 2 roots

chewing, grinding, crushing

Question 4

molar

Answer 4

4 or 5 cusps
2 or 3 roots

chewing, grinding, crushing

Question 5

structure of tooth

Answer 5

• root of tooth is firmly embedded in the jaw bone and held in place by cement
• crown protrudes into the mouth

Question 6

what is enamel?

Answer 6

the hardest substance in the human body. it covers the crown of the tooth as this part is in daily contact with food, some of which is very hard

Question 7

pulp

Answer 7

contains nerves and blood vessels because a tooth is a living structure so it needs to be supplief with nutrients and oxygen to keep the cells functioning

Question 8

care of teeth

Answer 8

• eat less sugary foods
• should be brushed regularly
• use dental floss to remove food between the teeth
• brushing and flossing removes food rests and bacteria and the alkali in the toothpaste neutralises acids which would damage the enamel
• visit a dentist every 6 months for a regular checkup

Question 9

tooth decay

Answer 9

bacteria are present on the surface of our teeth, food deposits and form a layer on the teeth called plaque

bacteria in the plaque respires sugar in the food, producing acid, which dissolves enamel, forming a hole

the dentine underneath is softer so it dissolves even easier

if the hole reaches pulp cavity, bacterial infection can get to the nerves. this results in toothache and possibly even an abcess

Question 10

function of teeth?

Answer 10

they break down food into smaller pieces with a larger surface area so that enzymes can more easily digest the food

Question 11

what is a common misconception about tooth decay and sugar?

Answer 11

sugar does not cause tooth decay. it is the bacteria respiring sugar that form acids that attack the enamel and cause tooth decay.