TOOTH DECAY SESSION 1 BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 1
ANATOMY OF THE TOOTH Let s review the different parts of the teeth; we will use a tree to compare it to. Teeth are a live part of the body, just like a tree is alive. Both things need nourishment and care. Pointing at the crown This top part of a tooth is called the crown. Remember, this is not the type of crown a dentist puts on your tooth. The crown is like the tree top, the beautiful part of the tree. The enamel acts like a hard shell that covers the crown and protects the tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in our bodies and has the most minerals. Just under the enamel is dentin. Inside the dentin is pulp, which is full of nerves and also connects to our blood supply. Pointing to the root The bottom part of the tooth is called the root. We usually cannot see the root, as it sits below the gum line. The root is important because it holds the tooth in place, similar to a tree, Pointing at the gums The gums surround the teeth and attach them to the jawbone. The gums are full of nerves that connect to our blood supply for nourishment. The gums are like the soil that attaches the tree to the ground and also provides nourishment to the tree. BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 4
ANATOMY OF THE TOOTH BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 5
ORAL bacteria Let s talk about the main causes of cavities; bacteria. Mouth bacteria cause cavities. You see this bug here; can you tell what it is? Wait for response from participants It s called corn rootworm and it eats corn. It destroys the plant. You see this right here, this is called bacteria. You can t see them with your eyes, but it does the same thing it destroys the teeth. Where do you think we get mouth bacteria from? From another person Cavity bacteria are passed on through saliva. The concept is similar to the flu and cold. If someone has the flu and that person shares their saliva with you, then their germs will infect you too. The same is true for cavity bacteria: if someone has cavities, and they share their saliva with bacteria with you, you can be infected. You can minimize this effect by brushing and flossing the bacteria away ACTIVITY: Sharing Bacteria Objective: Show how everyday items can transmit bacteria to one another. Materials: Flashcards on ring Antibacterial wipes Pass out a flashcard to each participant. Ask Participants to share how the object in flashcard trasmit bacteria Everyone take a look at your flashcard, let s go around the room and share what you each got. Wait for response from participants Ok, now can these objects be used to transfer cavity bacteria? Can they transfer bacteria between adults and kids or between kids? What are some ways to avoid infecting the object with bacteria? At the end, repeat what parents said so that the message is reinforced Mouth bacteria are similar to this garden pest you see here. The garden pest is known for spreading out and eating up majority of the plant. Same with your mouth, bacteria will spread to several teeth if the mouth is not maintained, cleaned. But the good news is that bacteria can be brushed away. You will learn how to do it next week. BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 6
ORAL bacteria BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 7
process of DECAY To start, what causes cavities? Bacteria Bacteria in the mouth causes cavities, and like all bacteria, they can multiply if we don t remove them in time. What do you think bacteria like to eat? Wait for participants to share some ideas. Yes, they like to eat sugar. Foods that contain sugar include juice, soda and cookies. They also like to eat carbohydrates and starches. Can anyone name foods that have carbohydrates or starches? Participants should mention: salted cookies, cereal, chips, tortillas, rice and bread, etc. We will talk more about nutrition in one of our next classes. What happens to all living creatures after they eat? Yes, they release what they ate. The bacterium does the same and releases an acid that wears out your teeth. First, they eat the top layer of your tooth and then start to make a hole in the tooth known as a cavity. BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 10
process of DECAY + sugar = from plaque + ACID BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 11 ACID bacteria = HEALTHY TOOTH DECAY
PREVENTING tooth decay Tooth decay is preventable There are many things you can do at home to help catch tooth decay early. LOOK for signs and symptoms of decay Try to see in the mirror if you have any white spots or dark spots. Look at your children s teeth and mouth regularly too. For very young children, you should lift their top lip to get a good view of their front teeth. Cavities are most common on front teeth of young children. Visit the dentist regularly to have a look. MAINTAIN a clean mouth Brush 2 times a day Floss teeth everyday Help younger children brush AVOID sharing bacteria Try not to share items that have been in your mouth or someone else s mouth to avoid sharing bacteria. Don t let your kids share each other s spoons and cups. BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 18
PREVENTING tooth decay LOOK for signs and symptoms of decay maintain A CLEAN MOUTH AVOID sharing bacteria BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 19
This product was developed for the Boca Sana, Cuerpo Sano project with funding from the DentaQuest Foundation. For more information about this project and educational materials please call Vista Community Clinic (760)631-5000. BSCS_flipchart_session1.indd 22