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Questions and Answers
What is plaque composed of?
Why is regular brushing important?
What is the role of saliva in the mouth?
What can help bacteria build up plaque?
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What do dentists use to monitor tooth health?
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Study Notes
Bacteria in the Mouth
- Bacteria live in the mouth and feed on food particles, making it their "cafeteria".
- They are tiny and work together to build up plaque, a "living glue" made up of bacteria and food residue.
Plaque and its Effects
- Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
- When plaque thickens, it can turn into a gooey substance that harms teeth.
Saliva and its Role
- Saliva, also known as spit, helps keep the mouth moist and prevents the tongue from drying out.
- Water alone cannot wash away plaque, which is why good oral hygiene is important.
How to Build Up Plaque
- Eating snacks like candy, soda, cookies, and sweets can help bacteria build up plaque.
- Not brushing teeth regularly can allow plaque to build up and lead to tooth decay.
Dentists and Oral Hygiene
- Dentists recommend regular brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and promote good oral hygiene.
- They use x-rays and regular checkups to monitor tooth health and charged fees for their services.
Bacteria's Plea
- Bacteria ask kids to spare their care and not follow the dentists' advice to brush and floss regularly.
- They want kids to depend on them to tell the truth and allow them to thrive in the mouth.
Bacteria in the Mouth
- Bacteria inhabit the mouth, utilizing food particles as their primary source of nutrition.
- They are microscopic in size and work collectively to form plaque, a sticky substance composed of bacteria and food residue.
Plaque and its Effects
- Plaque is a sticky, film-like substance that develops on teeth, leading to tooth decay if left unchecked.
- As plaque thickens, it can transform into a harmful, gooey substance detrimental to teeth.
Saliva and its Role
- Saliva, also known as spit, maintains the mouth's moisture and prevents the tongue from drying out.
- Saliva's role in oral hygiene is crucial, as water alone is insufficient to remove plaque.
Causes of Plaque Build-up
- Consuming snacks high in sugar, such as candy, soda, cookies, and sweets, can aid bacteria in building up plaque.
- Infrequent brushing of teeth allows plaque to accumulate, leading to tooth decay.
Preventing Tooth Decay
- Regular brushing and flossing are essential for preventing tooth decay and maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Dentists utilize x-rays and regular checkups to monitor tooth health and provide guidance on maintaining good oral health.
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Description
Learn about the role of bacteria in the mouth, how plaque forms, and the importance of saliva in maintaining oral health.