Teaching Elementary School Health Education/Personal Health and Physical Activity/Dental Health

A dental health plan is a plan for taking care of the teeth and gums that includes frequent brushing and flossing, reduction of cavity-promoting foods, avoidance of tobacco, protecting teeth from injury, regular dental examinations, and cleaning of the teeth by a dental hygienist.

Types of Teeth

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  • Incisors - are the eight teeth in the front and center of the mouth that have a flat, sharp edge that cuts up food.
  • Cuspids - are the four teeth in the corners of the mouth that have a long, heavy root and a pointed cusp that tears food.
  • Bicuspids - are the eight teeth in the back of the cuspids with two cusps and one or two roots that tear and crush food.
  • Molars - are the twelve teeth in the back of the mouth with several cusps and two or three roots that grind food.

Dental Check-Ups

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  • Teeth Cleaning - removing dental plaque an calculus that has built up on the teeth.
  • X-Rays - may be taken to detect tooth decay or other dental problems.
  • Whitening - there are treatments to whiten teeth, though human teeth are naturally yellow-ish.
  • Dental Sealants - a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay.

Ways to keep Teeth and Gums Healthy

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  • Toothbrushing
  • Flossing
  • Fluoride
  • Diet
  • Mouthguards