FACULTAD: Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud

CARRERA: Odontología

MATERIA: Inglés I

Guía de Trabajos Prácticos

2020
 PART 1 – THE ROLE OF THE DENTIST

Exercise 1 – Warm-up. In small groups of not more than 4 students think about the role of the dentist in
your life. Was it a positive experience? Do you visit the dentist regularly?

Now read the text and do the exercise below.

What’s the role of the dentist?

The role of a dentist varies from day to day, just as it does from one practice to another. Some dentists
choose to specialize, while others choose general dentistry. Dentists perform a wide variety of tasks on a
daily basis. One hour they may be extracting teeth, and the next they may be instructing young children
on the proper way to brush.

General Patient Care

Dentists diagnose and treat problems involving the teeth, gums and mouth. They also give advice related to
diet and brushing to patients to prevent future problems, examine X-rays, fill cavities, straighten teeth,
extract teeth, perform root canals and write prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers.

Administrative Duties

Many dentists run their own practices, which may require them to assume some administrative duties.
They also hire and supervise other staff members, such as hygienists and receptionists.

Specialties

Some dentists choose to focus on one of the nine dental specialties: orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial
surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, public health dentistry, oral and maxillofacial pathology,
endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.

Work Environment

The work environment of the dentist may vary depending upon whether he has his own practice or works
for someone else. Many dentists work 35 to 40 hours per week, and many continue to work past the usual
age of retirement by simply reducing their hours.

Education Needed

An aspiring dentist must obtain a bachelor's degree and take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Once he
completes dental school, he must become licensed by passing his state's written and practical exam.

Exercise 2 - Write a short summary of the role of the dentist in your life.

PART 2 – NUTRITION AND GOOD ORAL HEALTH

Exercise 1 – Warm-up. Do you think it is important to eat healthy food in order to have healthy teeth?
Why? Why not? What kinds of food do you eat? What is healthy food?

Read the text and answer the questions below

Nutrition and Good Oral Health

From Tammy Davenport, former About.com Guide
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Choosing the right foods in your diet is an important aspect in having healthy teeth and good oral
hygiene. Establishing good nutritional habits in kids and teenagers can be especially beneficial for good
eating patterns and food choices throughout their lives.

How Nutrition affects oral health

The foods that you eat come in contact with the germs and bacteria that live in the mouth. If you don’t
brush, plaque will accumulate on the teeth. Plaque thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in a
great deal of foods. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks
enamel on the teeth, and eventually causes decay. According to the American Dental Association, the
acid attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more.

Choosing a Healthy Diet

Choosing a healthy diet may sound easy, however, fruits, milk, cereals, bread and some vegetables
contain sugars and / or starches. Carbonated sodas, sweet fruit drinks and sugary snack foods should be
limited.

You don’t have to avoid these foods, just keep in mind that you should eat a balanced diet, brush your
teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Healthy Tips

 Drink plenty of water

 Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups
 Cut down on snacking in between meals
 Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar
 Brush twice a day
 Floss Daily
 Visit your dentist for regular check ups

Summary

While eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are good ways to
prevent cavities, a good dental regime is essential in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plaque can be
removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly and your dentist can detect any signs of early decay. If you
have a severe sweet tooth like me, try starting out by replacing one snack a day with healthy choices.

Now answer the questions

 What is plaque?
 Why are sugar and starches bad for your oral health?
 Is it easy to choose a healthy diet? Why? Why not?
 What advice can you give to keep your teeth healthy?
PART 3 – GUM DISEASE

Exercise 1 – Warm-up. Do you know what gum disease is? Have you ever been to the dentist to have
your teeth cleaned? What does the word ‘flossing’ mean?

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

Facts About Gum Disease That May Surprise You

By Shawn Watson, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Often taken for granted, the monotonous task of

brushing and flossing our teeth daily has never
been more important in order to avoid gum disease
and the risks gum disease place on our overall
health. It has been estimated that 75% of
Americans have some form of gum disease, which
has been linked to serious health complications
and causes various dental problems that are often
avoidable.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up.
Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:

 Tobacco use
 Clenching or grinding your teeth
 Certain medications
 Genetics

Types of Gum Disease Include:

 Gingivitis - The beginning stage of gum disease and is often undetected. This stage of the disease
is reversible.
 Periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis may lead to this next stage of gum disease. With many levels of
periodontitis, the common outcome is chronic inflammatory response, a condition when the body
breaks down the bone and tissue in the infected area of the mouth, ultimately resulting in tooth and
bone loss.

Signs of Gum Disease Include:

 Red, bleeding, and/or swollen gums

 Bad breath
 Mobility of the teeth
 Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
 Abscessed teeth
 Tooth loss

Recent studies suggest gum disease may contribute to or be warning signs of potentially life threatening
conditions such as:
  Heart Disease and Stroke - Studies suggest gingivitis may increase the risk of heart disease and
stroke because of the high levels of bacteria found in infected areas of the mouth. As the level of
periodontal disease increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with it. Other studies
have suggested that the inflammation in the gums may create a chronic inflammation response in
other parts of the body which has also been implicated in increasing the risk of heart disease and
stroke.
 Diabetes - People with diabetes often have some form of gum disease, likely caused by high blood
glucose, according to the CDC. People with diabetes need to take extra care to ensure proper
brushing and flossing techniques are used to prevent the advancement of the gum disease. Regular
check-ups and cleanings with your dental hygienist should be followed.
 Chronic Kidney Disease - A study, conducted by Case Western Reserve University, suggests that
people without any natural teeth, known as edentulous, are more likely to have chronic kidney
disease (CDK), than people with natural teeth. CDK affects blood pressure potentially causing
heart disease, contributed to kidney failure, and affects bone health.
 Preterm Birth - Babies that are born premature -- before 37 weeks of gestation -- may face
numerous health complications. Research indicates that women with periodontal disease are three
to five times more likely to have a baby born preterm compared to women without any form of
gum disease. Women are more susceptible to gingivitis when pregnant and should follow their
regular brushing habits, and continue with dental cleanings and examinations.

Treatments for Gum Disease

Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:

 Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.
 Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist
to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.
 Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal
disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.

What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?

Proper brushing and flossing is the easiest way to reduce and prevent gum disease, but regular cleanings
with your dental hygienist or dentist are necessary to remove calculus and treat advanced gum disease. If
you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact your dentist.

Answer the questions.

 What is another name for gum disease?

 What is gum disease?
 Which factors can cause gum disease?
 What is gingivitis?
 What are the signs of possible gum disease?
 Can gum disease be a warning for other diseases in the body? Which?
 How can gum disease be treated?
 How can gum disease be prevented?
PART 4 – THE SKELETAL SYSTEM

Exercise 1 – Read the text and answer the questions below

The Skeletal System

The Skeletal System serves many important functions: it provides the shape and form for our bodies in
addition to supporting, protecting, allowing bodily movement, producing blood for the body, and storing
minerals.

Functions

The skeletal system in the adult consists of 206 bones and the strong elastic tissue that forms ligaments,
tendons and cartilages, which tie together the bones and form the nose, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes
and the outer ear. The skeleton provides a strong framework for the body, gives it its basic shape, and
permits us to stand upright. The skeletal system also supports and restrains soft internal organs and
shields fragile organs such as the brain and lungs. Certain bones, connected by flexible joints, form a
combination of levers that allow coordinated movement. Bones also provide a firm anchor for skeletal
muscles and produce red blood cell in the marrow cavities.

Its 206 bones form a rigid framework to which the softer tissues and organs of the body are attached.
Vital organs are protected by the skeletal system. The brain is protected by the surrounding skull as the
heart and lungs are encased by the sternum and rib cage.

Bone classification

Long bones. These bones, such as those in the legs, arms, toes and fingers, are strong shafts made of
compact bone tissue. Their ends are large and consist of spongy tissue covered with compact tissue. They
are slightly curved, enabling them to absorb shock.

Short bones. Shaped like irregular cubes, the short bones are spongy with a covering of compact tissue.
The kneecap and the bones of the wrist and ankle belong to this category.

Flat bones. The skull, ribs, sternum, hips, and scapula are flat bones – bones with broad flat plates of
spongy tissue sandwiched between two layers of compact tissue. Flat bones protect organs and are anchor
points for muscles.

Irregular bones. As their name implies, these bones are irregularly shaped. The proportion of spongy to
compact tissue varies from bone to bone. The vertebrae and facial bones belong to this group. Other
irregular bones are put to special purposes, including helping to support and protect the body.

Bodily movement is carried out by the interaction of the muscular and skeletal systems. For this reason,
they are often grouped together as the musculo-skeletal system. Muscles are connected to bones by
tendons. Bones are connected to each other by ligaments. Where bones meet one another is typically
called a joint. Muscles which cause movement of a joint are connected to two different bones and
contract to pull them together. An example would be the contraction of the biceps and a relaxation of the
triceps. This produces a bend at the elbow. The contraction of the triceps and relaxation of the biceps
produces the effect of straightening the arm. Blood cells are produced by the marrow located in some
bones. An average of 2.6 million red blood cells is produced each second by the bone marrow to replace
those worn out and destroyed by the liver.

Bones serve as a storage area for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. When an excess is present in
the blood, buildup will occur within the bones. When the supply of these minerals within the blood is
low, it will be withdrawn from the bones to replenish the supply.
Divisions of the Skeleton

The human skeleton is divided into two distinct parts:

The axial skeleton consists of bones that form the axis of the body and support and protect the organs of
the head, neck, and trunk.

 The Skull
 The sternum
 The ribs
 The vertebral column

The appendicular skeleton is composed of bones that anchor the appendages to the axial skeleton.

 The Upper Extremities

 The Lower Extremities
 The shoulder girdle
 The pelvic girdle (the sacrum and coccyx are considered part of the vertebral column)

Types of Bone

The bones of the body fall into four general categories: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular
bones. Long bones are longer than they are wide and work as levers. The bones of the upper and lower
extremities (ex. humerus, tibia, femur, ulna, metacarpals, etc.) are of this type. Short bones are short,
cube-shaped, and found in the wrists and ankles. Flat bones have broad surfaces for protection of organs
and attachment of muscles (ex. ribs, cranial bones, bones of shoulder girdle). Irregular bones are all others
that do not fall into the previous categories. They have varied shapes, sizes, and surfaces features and
include the bones of the vertebrae and a few in the skull.

Bone Composition

Bones are composed of tissue that may take one of two forms: compact, or dense bone, and spongy, or
cancellous, bone. Most bones contain both types. Compact bone is dense, hard, and forms the protective
exterior portion of all bones. Spongy bone is inside the compact bone and is very porous (full of tiny
holes). Spongy bone occurs in most bones. The bone tissue is composed of several types of bone cells
embedded in a web of inorganic salts (mostly calcium and phosphorus) to give the bone strength, and
collagenous fibers and ground substance to give the bone flexibility

Illustration provided by: Rolin Graphics

Skull: Your skull is composed of many bones that enclose the brain and form your facial skeleton.

Front Side

Source: AMA's Current Procedural Terminology, Revised 1998 Edition. CPT is a trademark of the
American Medical Association.

a) Answer the following questions

1. What is the function of the skeletal system?

2. How many bones are there in the skeletal system?
3. How are the brain and the lungs protected?
4. How are bodily movements carried out?
5. What are tendons?
6. What are ligaments?
7. What is a joint?
8. Where are blood cells produced?
9. How many blood cells are produced each second?
10. What do bones serve as?
11. How is the skeletal system divided?
12. How are bones classified? Describe them and give examples.
13. What are bones composed of?
14. What is bone tissue composed of?

b) Translate the paragraph: ‘Bone Composition’ into Spanish.

REFERENCES

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5195429_role-dentist.html

http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/a/nutrition.htm

http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/a/importantbrush.htm