Term: 1 Science Class 3

The City School

Handout Number: Science 1.8.8,9,10,11
Topic: Keeping Healthy
Theme: Health and Well-Being
Learning Objectives:
1.8.8. Recognise that some foods can be damaging to our teeth.
1.8.9. Define tooth decay and how to prevent it.
1.8.10. Enlist ways of protecting your teeth from tooth decay
1.8.11. State the main steps/procedures involved in treating cavities, decayed teeth or if the teeth are not growing straight.

Food damaging for our teeth.

.Our teeth can rot and get holes if we eat food and sweets that have a lot of sugar. Scientists call this
tooth decay. Dentists help us look after our teeth. They call a hole in our teeth, a cavity. If you see a
black spot on a tooth, this could be a cavity starting. A dentist may give the tooth a filling.
To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, your diet -- what you eat and how often you eat --
are important factors. Changes start the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth convert
sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it's the acids that begin to attack the
enamel on teeth, starting the decay process.
Too many carbohydrates from sugars (like cake, cookies and candies) and savoury foods and starches
(like pretzels and potato chips) can cause tooth decay. The more often you eat and snack, the more
frequently you’re exposing your teeth to the cycle
of decay. The time between meals allows saliva to
wash away food particles that bacteria would
otherwise feast on. Frequent snacking, without
brushing immediately afterwards, gives bacteria
constant fuel. Try to limit snacks as much as
possible -- no more than one or two a day. Brush your teeth after each snack, if possible. Sugar can
cause gum disease. This is when your gum feels sore and may bleed.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by plaque collecting, in particular, around the gum
line, the edges of fillings and the grooved surfaces of the teeth. Plaque is
Figure 1Tooth Decay
made up of food debris, saliva and bacteria normally present in the
mouth.
 Term: 1 Science Class 3

Figure 2 Plaque on teeth.

Plaque contains acids which, over time, can dissolve away the
protective, hard enamel coating of the tooth, and create holes, or
cavities.
Cavities
Most cavities form over a period of months or even years. They are usually painless, but they can grow
very large, and damage the much softer internal structures of the tooth such as the dentin and the
pulp, which is found at the core. If they remain untreated, they can kill the nerve and blood vessels of
the tooth, and ultimately the tooth itself. The most obvious sign of tooth decay is a toothache,
particularly after hot or cold foods or drinks. Pits or holes may also be visible in the teeth.
Plaque and tartar also irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
Treatment for cavities:
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers and children. Also referred to as tooth
decay, a cavity is a permanently damaged area in a
tooth.
1. Dental Filling: The dentist removes the tooth decay
and then fills the hole with a white composite or
Figure 3 Dental filling
metal material. Filling a cavity that forms on a
baby tooth can save or preserve the tooth.

2. Crown: In cases of severe tooth decay, your dentist might

recommend a dental crown, which is typically silver in colour.
3. Extraction: A very common reason involves a tooth that is too
badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired.
Figure 4 Decayed tooth covered with crown
4. Braces: This is a device used to straighten or align teeth if they
are not growing straight.
How to keep your teeth healthy
Our teeth need to last a lifetime. Here are some things you can do to look after them:
1. Brushing twice a day with toothpaste to remove plaque.
2. Flossing between teeth to remove any bits of food.
3. Going to the dentist.
4. Eating less sugary food and drinks.