CAIE Teeth

[CAIE] Teeth
Teeth are crucial for the mechanical breakdown of food during digestion, a process known as
mastication. They cut, grind, and chew food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and
increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act on.
Structure of a Tooth
Each tooth has multiple layers and regions that allow it to perform its function efficiently:
1. Enamel:
o The outermost, hardest layer of a tooth, made primarily of calcium phosphate.
o Protects the tooth from physical damage and acids produced by bacteria in the
mouth.
2. Dentin:
o Located beneath the enamel, it is a softer, bone-like layer that forms the bulk of
the tooth.
o Dentin supports the enamel and provides flexibility to absorb the pressure from
chewing.
3. Pulp Cavity:
o The central part of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective
tissue.
o Provides nutrients to the tooth and allows sensation (e.g., sensitivity to hot or
cold).
4. Cementum:
o A thin layer of bone-like tissue that covers the root of the tooth and helps
anchor it to the jawbone.
5. Periodontal Ligament:
o Attaches the tooth to the surrounding bone, providing shock absorption and
stability.
Types of Teeth
Humans have four types of teeth, each adapted for specific tasks in the process of chewing.
1. Incisors:
o Location: The front teeth (four in each jaw, eight in total).
o Structure: Thin, sharp-edged, and chisel-shaped for efficient cutting.
o Function: Used to cut and bite into food, especially hard or fibrous items.
2. Canines:
o Location: Next to the incisors (two in each jaw, four in total).
o Structure: Pointed and slightly longer than other teeth, with a single, pointed
cusp.
o Function: Designed to tear food, particularly helpful in handling tougher foods.
Canines also aid in guiding other teeth into place.
3. Premolars:
o Location: Between the canines and molars (four in each jaw, eight in total).
o Structure: Bicuspid teeth (two cusps or ridges), with a broader, flatter surface
than canines.
o Function: Used to crush and grind food, preparing it for easier digestion in the
stomach.
4. Molars:
o Location: The back of the mouth (six in each jaw, twelve in total, including
wisdom teeth).
o Structure: Large, broad teeth with multiple cusps (usually four to five) for
maximum grinding surface.
o Function: Used for grinding and chewing food into smaller pieces, making it
easier to swallow. Molars are essential for processing plant materials or fibrous
foods that require thorough breakdown.
Structure of Each Type of Tooth
1. Incisors:
o Shape: Thin and chisel-shaped with a flat edge.
o Edge: Sharp, for precise cutting and biting.
o Root: Single-rooted, providing stability for biting actions.
2. Canines:
o Shape: Pointed and cone-like, with a single cusp for piercing.
o Edge: Sharp tip for tearing, often visible when smiling or talking.
o Root: Has the longest root of any tooth type, giving it strength and durability for
tearing.
3. Premolars:
o Shape: Broader, with two cusps (bicuspid) for crushing.
o Edge: Ridges or grooves for grinding food.
o Root: Usually has one or two roots, providing additional strength for grinding.
4. Molars:
o Shape: Largest and flattest, with four or five cusps for maximum grinding
surface.
o Edge: Multiple pointed cusps for thoroughly grinding food.
o Roots: Molars often have two to three roots for enhanced support due to the
forces applied during chewing.
Detrimental Effects of Unhygienic Teeth
Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to a range of dental issues that not only affect the appearance
of teeth but can also impact overall health.
Cavities (Dental Caries)

• Cause: Cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by bacteria in the mouth that
feed on sugars from food. As they break down these sugars, bacteria produce acid as a
by-product, which can erode the enamel of the teeth over time.
• Progression:
1. Plaque Formation: When food particles and saliva mix, they create a sticky film
called plaque on the teeth. This plaque harbours bacteria that produce acid.
2. Enamel Erosion: Over time, the acid from the bacteria begins to dissolve the
enamel, creating small holes or “cavities” in the surface of the tooth.
3. Deeper Decay: If left untreated, the decay can progress through the dentin and
into the pulp cavity, where nerves and blood vessels are located, causing pain
and infection.
• Symptoms: Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible holes or dark spots on teeth,
and pain when biting down.
• Long-term Effects: Untreated cavities can lead to infections and abscesses, potentially
requiring root canal treatment or even tooth extraction.
Prevention: Regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque, limiting sugary foods, and routine
dental check-ups.
Bad Breath
• Cause: Poor oral hygiene allows food particles, bacteria, and plaque to accumulate in the
mouth, leading to persistent bad breath.
• Progression: As bacteria grow and break down food particles, they release sulphur
compounds that produce a foul odour.
• Long-term Effects: Bad breath can be socially embarrassing and may indicate
underlying dental issues such as gum disease or cavities.
Prevention: Regular brushing (including the tongue), flossing, and hydration help reduce
bacterial growth and maintain fresh breath.
Calculus (Tartar)
• Cause: When plaque is not removed regularly (e.g., through brushing and flossing), it
can harden into calculus, also known as tartar. This hardened plaque cannot be removed
by brushing alone and requires professional dental cleaning.
• Progression:
1. Plaque Build-up: Initially, plaque is soft and sticky, but if it remains on the teeth
for an extended period, it mineralizes due to the calcium and phosphate ions in
saliva, forming calculus.
2. Calculus Formation: Calculus usually forms around the gum line, both above
and below the gum surface. It can lead to gum irritation and inflammation.
3. Periodontal Disease: Calculus buildup irritates the gums and can progress to
gingivitis (gum inflammation). If left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis, a
severe gum infection that can damage the bone supporting the teeth.
• Symptoms: Hard, yellow, or brown deposits on teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, and
bad breath.
• Long-term Effects: If calculus is not removed, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss,
and eventually tooth loss.
Prevention: Daily brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup, along with regular
professional cleanings to remove any tartar that has formed.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

• Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that
may bleed during brushing.
• If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition in
which the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This
can destroy the bone that supports the teeth, leading to loosen teeth or tooth loss.
• Symptoms: Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath.
• Long-term Effects: Untreated gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss and has
been linked to other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Prevention: Proper dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups to catch signs of gum disease
early.
Tooth Sensitivity
• Cause: Erosion of the enamel due to acid attacks from bacteria or from over-brushing
can lead to tooth sensitivity, as it exposes the underlying dentin layer.
• Progression: With further erosion, the dentin becomes more exposed, and sensations of
pain increase, especially in response to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
• Long-term Effects: Persistent sensitivity can impact daily activities, like eating and
drinking, and may require treatment to strengthen the enamel.
Prevention: Using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods, and practicing gentle brushing
techniques can help protect enamel.

CAIE Teeth

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[CAIE] Teeth

Cavities (Dental Caries)

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

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