Friday, February 17, 2012

The Mouth and The Digestive System

       How do cavities form? Cavities are an infection, which are caused by foods that have carbohydrates and from the bacteria that are present in the mouth. The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. Next, cementum, is a substance that covers the roots of the teeth. Beneath the cementum, is the dentin, which contains nerve endings. Under the dentin
is the dental pulp, which contains connective tissue, large blood vessels, nerve fibers, and capillaries. Plaque is formed from bacteria that are inside a film, which stays on teeth and the surrounding areas. When the bacteria in the plaque are provided with a supply of carbohydrates and sugars, these bacteria digest it and in return creates acid. When the mouth is empty from any food, the pH inside the mouth is normally about 6.2-7.0pH (health.howstuffworks.com). But when foods with abundant amounts of carbohydrates and sugars are eaten, the bacteria produces acid and the pH in the mouth decreases to about 5.2-5.5pH (health.howstuffworks.com). The acid that is produced, attacks the teeth and the cavity forms. The cavity will start to penetrate through the dentin and reaches the nerves. 

How can gum disease be avoided? A person can avoid gum disease by brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth, having a balanced diet, setting up check-ups with dentist, and staying away from tobacco. How often should you schedule dental visit? Dental visits should be scheduled at least twice a year for the routine cleaning and check-ups. What is the function of saliva in the process of digestion? The function of saliva in the process of digestion is to break down the food chemically. The enzymes in the saliva called “salivary amylas” allow the starch from food to be turned into sugar (glucose). Also saliva helps to physically soften the food so it will be easier to digest.  

How is bile important to digestion? Bile is a fluid that contains water, electrolytes, bile acids, phospholipids, bilirubin, and cholesterol. Bile is important to digestion because the bile acids allow fats and fat-soluble vitamins to be digested and absorbed when in the small intestine. Without bile, our bodies would have not been able to digest fats and it would have passed right out of the system. Our bodies do need small amounts of fat; bile enables that to happen. 

What are the organs of the digestive tract? First is the mouth, which physically grinds food by using teeth and saliva chemically breaks down the food. Next are the salivary glands, which release saliva in the mouth. Next is the esophagus, which is a tube with muscles that directs food to the stomach by using contracting and expanding movements. After the esophagus, is the stomach, which breaks down large molecules of food into smaller pieces so it can be easier to absorb into the bloodstream. The next group is the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The liver pumps bile to enter into the small intestine and the gallbladder holds excess amounts of bile. The pancreas releases fluid like trypsin and lipase to aid digestion. After that is the small intestine, which allows nutrients to be absorbed into the blood by using villi, that is on the walls of the small intestine. Lastly, is the large intestine (colon), which removes the water from the solid waste and absorbs vitamins like Vitamin K.  

How is diet related to constipation? Constipation can happen when the colon has absorbed a large amount of water or when the muscle contractions inside the colon slow down. The main cause of constipation is from having a poor diet, which includes the lack of fiber and liquids. Improving your diet by eating more fiber and drinking fluids will decrease the chances of having constipation.  


**Always take medical advice from your doctor, NOT from Internet sources. This is just for common knowledge.***


Works Cited
1. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/beauty-hygiene/cavity.htm   May 10, 2011

2. http://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/public/oral/perio%20brochure.html

3. http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/How-Often-Should-You-Go-to-the-Dentist.cvsp

4. http://tabacco.blog-city.com/human_digestive_system_overview__anatomy_function_maintenanc.htm

5. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/bile.html

6. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/

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