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.