08-10-2010, 11:27 AM
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DENTAL CARIES
GROUP MEMBERS
JATIN MALHOTRA
MANMOHINI KHANNA
NAMARATA DHAR
GARV ALLUWALIA
GAGAN CHUG
KRITIKA KUMAR
INTRODUCTION
Teeth (singular tooth) are small, calcified, whitish structures found in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates that are used to tear, scrape, and chew food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or defense. The roots of teeth are covered by gums. Teeth are not made of bone, but rather of tissues of varying density and hardness.
Teeth are among the most distinctive (and long-lasting) features of mammal species. Paleontologists use teeth to identify fossil species and determine their relationships. The shape of the animal’s teeth is related to its diet. For example, plant matter is hard to digest, so herbivores have many molars for chewing. Carnivores, on the other hand, need canines to kill prey and to tear meat.