bacteria
very small living things that can cause disease
EXAMPLE: Some diseases, like colds, are caused by viruses. Other diseases are caused by bacteria.
attack
(verb) to damage
EXAMPLE: Keep your teeth clean. If you don't, bacteria in your mouth will attack your teeth and damage them.
cavity
a hole in a tooth
EXAMPLE: The child visited the dentist for the first time when she was 5 years old, which was too late. She had 3 cavities!
dental care
treatment provided by a dentist
EXAMPLE: In some countries, it is difficult to access dental care. People can't find relief from toothaches.
filling
a hard substance that a dentist uses to fill a hole in a tooth
EXAMPLE: I had a toothache, so I made an appointment with the dentist. He found a cavity, and he said I needed a filling.
dental floss
string you can use to clean between your teeth
EXAMPLE: If you use dental floss after every meal, you will reduce the chance of getting a cavity.
monitor
(verb) to watch carefully
EXAMPLE: Monitor your children when they brush and floss. Make sure they do it correctly and that they don't rush.
practice
(verb) to repeatedly do an activity
EXAMPLE: For your family's good health, practice good dental habits. Brush at least twice a day and floss before you go to bed.
acid
This is what bacteria create. It damages teeth.
EXAMPLE: If you don't brush away the sugar and bacteria on your teeth, the bacteria will eat the sugar and create an acid and damage your teeth.
baby tooth
one of the first set of teeth a child gets
EXAMPLE: My child lost his first baby tooth. The Tooth Fairy came during the night, took the tooth, and put $1 under his pillow.
consequence
the result of an action, usually bad
EXAMPLE: What is the consequence of not taking care of your teeth?
ensure
to make certain (sure) that something happens
EXAMPLE: Ensure your children brush and floss every night before bed.
fluoride toothpaste
toothpaste containing a chemical that prevents tooth decay
EXAMPLE: Examples of fluoride toothpastes include Crest, Sensodyne, and Colgate.
follow your example
(verb) to copy your behavior, to do what you do
EXAMPLE: Be careful what you do because your children will follow your example.
go untreated
(verb) to not receive medical or dental care
EXAMPLE: If a cavity goes untreated, you may lose the tooth!
model
(verb) to show how to do something
EXAMPLE: If you model flossing your teeth, your children will learn how to do it. They will also understand that flossing is important.
neglect
(verb) to not take care of, to ignore
EXAMPLE: Stan neglected his dog. He didn't pay attention to it. He didn't feed and take care of it.
permanent tooth
one of the second and final set of teeth a person gets
EXAMPLE: My child's permanent teeth are crooked. I think he will need braces to straighten them.
regularly
often
EXAMPLE: I go to the dentist regularly, not just when I have a toothache.
tooth decay
when a tooth becomes damaged because of bacteria
EXAMPLE: If a child doesn't learn how to take care of his teeth, he will suffer from tooth decay.