Taking Care of
Teeth and Gums
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5CHAPTER
We can prevent most tooth and gum problems. This chapter gives more
information about how teeth grow in and how to keep teeth and gums
healthy. Share this information and you will prevent problems from starting.
But remember that people are most interested in the problems they have
now. Before listening to what you know about prevention, people will
want treatment for the problems that are already causing them pain and
discomfort.
Early treatment is a form of prevention.
It can prevent a tooth or gum problem
from becoming more serious.
When you treat a person’s problem, it shows that you care about him. It
also shows that you know what treatment he needs. As his confidence in
you grows, he will want to learn from you about preventing tooth or gum
problems.
In order to help a person it is
important to know what the
problem is and what is the
best treatment. But just as
important is knowing what
you are not able to do, and
when to seek help.
In this chapter, you will learn
more about teeth, gums, and
problems affecting them,
but you must never be too
proud to get help from more
experienced dental workers.
Know your limits.
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