THE ORAL CAVITY

THE TEETH
The teeth are the hardest
substances in the human
body.
Besides being essential
for chewing, the teeth play an
important role in speech.
Teeth also give shape to the
face.
PARTS OF A TOOTH
• Enamel- The hardest, white outer part of the tooth.
Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-
hard mineral.
• Dentin- A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made
of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.
• Pulp- The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood
vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.
• Cementum- A layer of connective tissue that binds the
roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
 Periodontal ligament - Tissue that helps hold the
teeth tightly against the jaw.
STAGES OF TOOTH ERUPTION
WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?
 Itis the damage that occurs when
germs (bacteria) in your mouth make
acids that eat away at a tooth. It can
lead to a hole in the tooth, called
a cavity. If not treated, tooth decay
can cause pain, infection, and tooth
loss.
What causes tooth decay?
 Bacteria and food can cause tooth decay. A
clear, sticky substance called plaque is always
forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque
contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the
food you eat.
 As the bacteria feed, they make acids. The
acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more
after you eat. Over time, these acids destroy
tooth enamel, causing tooth decay
DENTAL CARIES/TOOTH DECAY
Things that make you more likely to
have tooth decay include:
 Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and not
seeing a dentist for checkups and cleanings.
 Eating foods that are high in sugar and other
carbohydrates, which feed the bacteria in your mouth.
 Not having enough saliva. Saliva washes away food
and harmful sugars, so it helps protect your teeth from
decay. A dry mouth may be caused by a condition such
as xerostomia by taking certain medicines, or by
breathing through your mouth. Older adults are more
likely to have a dry mouth.
 Smoking
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Tooth decay usually doesn't cause symptoms until you
have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this happens,
you may have:
 A toothache, which is the most common symptom.

 Swelling in your gums near a sore tooth. This can be a

sign of severe tooth decay or an abscessed tooth.
 Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

 White, gray, brown, or black spots on your teeth.

If you have a toothache, see a dentist. Sometimes the pain

will go away for a while, but the tooth decay will keep
growing. If you don't get treatment, your cavities could
get worse and your tooth could die.
GUM DISEASES
 GINGIVITIS

 PERIODONTITIS
GINGIVITIS
 The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the
more harmful they become. The bacteria cause
inflammation of the gums that is called
“gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red,
swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild
form of gum disease that can usually be reversed
with daily brushing and flossing, and regular
cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This
form of gum disease does not include any loss of
bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
GINGIVITIS
PERIODONTITIS/PYORRHEA
 Periodontitis (pyorrhea)- is a serious gum infection that
damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports
your teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss or worse, an
increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious
health problems.
 When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to
“periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the
tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and
form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The
body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque
spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and
the body’s natural response to infection start to break down
the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If
not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the
teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose
and have to be removed.
PERIODONTITIS/PYORRHEA
TOOTH LOSS
 BASIC DENTAL CARE
Basic dental care involves brushing
and flossing your teeth regularly,
seeing your dentist for regular
checkups and cleanings, and eating
a mouth-healthy diet, which means
foods high in whole grains,
vegetables and fruits, and dairy
products.
WHY IS BASIC DENTAL CARE
IMPORTANT?
 Prevents tooth decay.
 Prevents gum (periodontal) disease , which can
damage gum tissue and the bones that support teeth ,
and in the long term can lead to the loss of teeth.
 Saves money. By preventing tooth decay and gum
disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other
costly procedures.
 Helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid
your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
 Helps keep teeth white by preventing staining from
food, drinks, and tobacco.
 Improves overall health.
 Makes it possible for your teeth to last a lifetime.
WAYS TO AVOID DENTAL PROBLEMS
 Brush your teeth twice a day—in the morning and before
bed—and floss once a day. This removes plaque, which can
lead to damaged teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
 Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps
prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist if you
need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with
ingredients that fight plaque.
 Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque
grow.
 Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease
and oral cancer.
 Practice tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a
soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a back-to-front direction.
Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who
smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.
 Schedule regular visit to the dentist based on how often you
need exams and cleaning.
BRUSHING
FLOSSING
REGULAR VISIT TO A DENTIST
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
QUIT SMOKING
 Smoking often results in tooth discolorations
 Smoking also causes shifting and staining of
the teeth.
 It also causes mouth sores which are very
painful.
 Some of the common side effects among
smokers are smell acuity, halitosis (bad
breath), loss of taste sensation and diminished
taste.
 Smokers are more often likely to develop oral
cancer and pre cancer when compared to non-
smokers.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST FOR DENTAL
CHECK-UP