Did you know

that your teeth

are meant to

last throughout

your entire life?

Let’s take a look at some of their functions…

They Sure Are!

How aboutchewing?Can you imaginetrying to bite intoan apple or yourfavorite pizzawithout your frontteeth?

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 tolaugh!

Our teeth are very important for not only smiling, but also for how we

look and feel about ourselves.

And smile…

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 thatsweet, “sticky”snacks are harmfulto your teeth?

That’s right!

Each day a thin film of plaque grows on your teeth.

This plaque contains“germs” (bacteria).

Each time you drinka soda, munch on a bagof chips, or eat a candybar, the food (sugar) left on your teeth becomes a “meal” for these germs(bacteria).

They (the bacteria)

produce a harmful

substance called

“acid,” which can

destroy your teeth.

Each “acid attack” lasts

about 20 minutes.

After repeated “acidattacks,” your teethbecome weak, and a hole or “cavity” isformed.

•Choose healthy snacks

•Have fewer snacks/drinks that are sugary or sticky.

•Rinse your mouth afterward if you are not able to brush right away.

To reduce these “acid attacks”…

Not only that, but…

These “germs” (bacteria) create another problem…

They cause your gums tobecome 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 amouth 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 productsare harmful, including “chew!”

They cause:• Stained teeth• Bad breath• Gum disease• Addiction• Mouth and throat cancer

Oral Piercing…

This new fashion cancause 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.

Brush only 2-3 teeth at a

time, gently brush the

outside, inside and chewing

surfaces of all your teeth. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

More on Proper Brushing

Use short back-and-forth or circular strokes.

Don’t forget to brush yourtongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath!

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

Floss your teeth once each day to remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach in between your teeth.

Proper Flossing

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.

Using your middle fingers, wrap about 18” of floss around them (but not too tightly).

Leave about an inch or two of floss between your hands.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Oral Health Program

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 professionalcleaning.

(X-rays will also be taken to lookfor cavities and other problems.)

Now that you know these facts…

Take good care ofyour teeth and gumsto prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

And remember… your teeth were meant to last your whole life...

Keep Brushing and Flossing!

Special thanks to:Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Oral Health Program