Transcript OralHealthGrade6-8

Oral Health
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Community and Public Health
Oral Health Program
Grades 6-8
Did you know
that your teeth
are meant to
last throughout
your entire life?
They sure are!
Let’s take a look
at some of their
functions…
How about
chewing?
Can you imagine
trying to bite into
an apple or your
favorite pizza
without your front
teeth?
Your front teeth
(incisors) were
designed to
“bite into”
things.
How about these?
Can you imagine
trying to swallow a
piece of meat without
chewing it up first?
ouch
That’s what your back
teeth (molars) were
designed to do --“grind food” for easy
swallowing.
What about the way you talk?
That’s because
our teeth help us to
pronounce words,
by keeping our
tongue in place.
And the way you laugh?
Sometimes things
are funny, and we
just have to
laugh!
And smile…
Our teeth are very
important for not
only smiling, but
also for how we
look and feel
about ourselves.
That’s why it’s important to do
our best to take care of them!
Let’s talk
about
some
things you
can do…
What about the foods you eat?
Do they include:
Grains
• Fruits/Vegetables
• Meat
• Dairy
•
How about snacking?
Did you know that
sweet, “sticky”
snacks are harmful
to your teeth?
That’s right!
You see,
each day a thin film of
plaque grows on your
teeth.
This plaque contains
“germs” (bacteria).
Each time you drink
a soda, munch on a bag
of chips or eat a candy
bar, the food (sugar) left
on your teeth becomes a
“meal” for these germs
(bacteria).
They (the bacteria)
produce a harmful
substance called
“acid,” which
destroys
your teeth.
Each “acid attack” lasts
about 20 minutes.
After repeated “acid
attacks,” your teeth
become weak, and a hole
or “cavity” is formed.
To reduce these “acid attacks”…
Choose healthy snacks,
and have fewer snacks
or drinks that are sugary
or sticky.
Rinse your mouth
afterward if you are not
able to brush right away.
Not only that, but…
These “germs” (bacteria)
create another problem…
They cause your gums to
become sore and bleed.
It’s called “gum disease”or
“gingivitis.”
Did you know that
certain activities
and habits can harm
your teeth?
Huh? Like
what?
Contact sports…
So be sure to wear a
mouth guard and
protective equipment.
If a tooth gets knocked out,
• do not touch the wound site,
• keep the tooth wet in some milk or a
moist cloth,
• do NOT rinse the tooth under
running water, and
• see a dentist within 30 minutes.
Habits…
Don’t use your teeth to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cut things
Hold onto pens/pencils
Bite nails
Crack nuts
Crunch ice
Open bottles or hairpins
Tobacco…
All tobacco products
are harmful, including
“chew!” They cause:
•
•
•
•
•
Stained teeth
Bad breath
Gum disease
Addiction
Mouth and throat cancer
Oral Piercing…
This new fashion can
cause some serious and
painful problems…
•
•
•
•
•
Chipped teeth
Infection
Nerve damage
Allergic reaction
Risk for diseases like hepatitis,
tetanus and HIV
www.mcgrathdental.com
Now let’s take a
look at how often
you should brush
and floss your
teeth.
Oh no, don’t
tell me you
forget
sometimes
…
Brush for two minutes
twice each day with a
soft bristled toothbrush.
(Be sure to use a toothpaste
with fluoride in it!)
Proper Brushing
Tilt the brush at a 45° angle
against the gumline.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
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.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Don’t forget to brush your tongue to
remove bacteria and freshen your
breath!
Floss your teeth
once each day to
remove plaque
from in between
your teeth.
Proper Flossing
Using your middle fingers,
wrap about 18” of floss around
them (but not too tightly).
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program
Leave about an inch or two of
floss between your hands.
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
And to be sure your teeth and gums
are healthy…
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 that you know these facts…
Take good care of
your teeth and gums
to prevent tooth decay
and gum disease.
And remember…
they were meant to
last throughout
your life...
Keep Brushing
and Flossing!
Photos: Microsoft product box shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.
All photos obtained from office.microsoft.com/clipart unless otherwise noted.