Transcript OralHealthGrade5

Oral Health
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Community and Public Health
Oral Health Program
Fifth Grade
Grooming is an important part of
growing up.
Each day we:
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Shower/Bathe
Wash our faces
Wash our hair
Comb/brush our hair
Put on clean clothes
Brush our teeth
Do you know what would
happen if we didn’t take care
of ourselves?
Our bodies would…
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Stink
Get sick (disease)
Did you know that a cavity
(hole in your tooth) is actually
a “diseased” tooth?
It sure is!
It is caused by “germs”
(bacteria) in your mouth.
You see, just like you,
“germs” (bacteria) use
food, and need just the
right environment to
survive…
Really?
What kinds of food?
What do you mean
by the word
“environment?”
Each day a thin film of
plaque grows on our teeth
(environment).
This plaque contains
“germs” (bacteria).
If this plaque is not
brushed off each day,
these bacteria become
“harmful.”
Bacteria can be seen through a microscope.
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993
These “germs”
(bacteria), use the
food left on our
teeth (sugar), to
produce a
substance called
“acid.”
Each time you munch
on a snack, drink a
soda, or eat a candy
bar, an “acid attack”
occurs…
Each “acid attack” lasts about 20 minutes.
After repeated “acid attacks,” our teeth
become weak, and a hole or “cavity” is
formed.
Missouri Show – Me Your Smile; 3rd Edition; 1993
Not only that, but…
These “germs” (bacteria)
create another problem…
It’s called “gum disease.”
What,
another
Disease?
Yes!
These “germs” (bacteria) in this plaque
make your gums sore and they bleed.
It’s called an “infection” or gingivitis.
Now that you understand how the
“germs” (bacteria) in your mouth
survive in the right environment…
Let’s take a look at some
of the foods you eat!
Do they include:
Grains
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy
Meat
What about snacks?
Snacks are fine for a little
energy in between meals…
But they should not be
eaten in place of a meal.
Especially harmful snacks are sugary foods
and drinks, and foods that are starchy or
“sticky.”
Foods and drinks high in sugar should not be
eaten as snacks, but rather eaten with meals.
So what can you do to prevent
cavities and gum disease?
Yeah,
you!
#1
Brush for two minutes
twice each day with a soft
bristled toothbrush.
(Be sure to use a toothpaste
with fluoride in it!)
#2
Floss your teeth once
each day to remove
plaque from in between
your teeth.
#3
Choose healthy snacks, and have
fewer snacks or drinks that are sugary
or sticky.
#4
See a dentist twice a
year for a dental exam
and professional cleaning.
(X-rays will also be taken to look
for cavities and other problems.)
Now, to be sure you are
doing all you can to
prevent tooth decay and
gum disease…
Let’s review proper brushing
and flossing!
Proper Brushing
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against
the gumline.
Brushing only 2-3 teeth at a time,
gently brush the outside, inside and
chewing surfaces of all your teeth.
Use short back-and-forth or circular
strokes.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue to
remove bacteria and freshen your
breath!
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Proper Flossing
Using your middle fingers, wrap
about 18” of floss around them
(but not too tightly).
Leave about an inch or two of floss
between your hands.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Now, gently follow the curves of
your teeth, sliding the floss up and
down the tooth’s surface a few times.
Be sure to go below the gumline.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Your teeth were meant
to last throughout your
entire life…
So make wise choices and take good
care of them!
Thank you for listening
and keep brushing!
Photos: Microsoft product box shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.
All photos obtained from office.microsoft.com/clipart unless otherwise noted.
This presentation has been adapted and used with permission from the
Dental Health Program developed by the Clay County Public Health Center.