BIOLOGY-animal survival-mechanical breakdown of food

food is broken down into smaller soluble particles that can pass from the small intestine into the bloodstream

2 steps

mechanical breakdown by teeth

chemical breakdown by enzymes eg-starch(insoluble) >enzymes> glucose(soluble)

types of teeth

omnivores

incisor-to bite food

canines-to tear food

premolars-also chew up food

molars-grind and chew food

carnivores

incisor-for biting

canine-for holding and piercing prey

premolar-for crushing bones

carnassial-for shearing flesh

molar-for crushing bones

herbivores

horny/hard pad

incisor-for biting against horny/hard pad and shearing grass at its roots

gap-no canines present

premolar-used for chewing and grinding

molar-for chewing and grinding

tooth decay

caused by bacteria in your mouth mixing with saliva to from plaque

bacteria change your food to acid, which attacks the enamel

flurides in toothpaste strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to acid