Teeth Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is digestion?
The physical and chemical breakdown of large molecules of food into small soluble molecules.
What is mechanical digestion?
The physical breakdown of large pieces of food into smaller pieces by the teeth and the stomach.
What is chemical digestion?
The breaking down of large molecules with the help of chemicals called enzymes into smaller soluble
molecules.
How many adult teeth are there in total?
32 teeth.
How many incisors are there and what is their function?
Eight incisors with a sharp cutting edge for biting pieces of food.
How many canines are there and what is their function?
Four canines which are pointed for tearing and gripping food.
How many premolars and molars are there?
Eight premolars and twelve molars.
What is the function of molars?
Chewing and grinding food.
What are the parts of a tooth?
Crown, root, enamel, dentin, pulp cavity, blood vessels and nerves, cementum.
What is the crown of a tooth?
Exposed part of the tooth.
What is the hardest substance in the body?
Enamel.
What is dentin?
Main section of tooth, living tissue, soft substance, not as resistant as enamel.
What does the pulp cavity house?
Nerves and blood vessels.
What is the function of the root of a tooth?
Embedded in jaw, nerves and blood vessels carry messages to and from the brain, carry oxygen and remove waste products.
What is the function of cementum?
Holds tooth in place.
What is the function of the jaw bone?
Contains sockets for the teeth.
What is the function of gums?
Protects jaw bone and roots of teeth.
What nutrients do healthy teeth need to grow strongly?
Calcium and vitamin D.
What does fluoride do for teeth?
Helps to harden the enamel.
What do healthy gums need?
Vitamin C and crispy foods like carrots and apples.
What do bacteria in the mouth do?
Break down food on teeth after eating and make acids.
What can weaken the enamel?
Acids produced by bacteria.
What is tooth decay?
When acids wear away the enamel, attacking the dentine and exposing the nerves in the pulp.
What is a filling used for?
To repair the decayed part of the tooth.
