The Anatomy Of Our Teeth
Marielaina Perrone DDS is a family, implant, and cosmetic dentist serving Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson, NV. Dental services include dental implants, teeth whitening, orthodontics, Botox, and treatment of periodontal disease. "We believe in a comprehensive approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, that fully... more
No matter what age you are, tooth issues will always be a potential concern. From a young child to an elderly adult, having good dental hygiene and taking preventative measures is paramount to dental health. Have you ever wondered what parts make up your teeth? Why are they so strong?
Anatomy Of A Tooth
The anatomy of a tooth is actually quite simple. A tooth is made of various layers that work together to give us our beautiful smiles. Every tooth is made up of multiple parts. These parts include the following:
- Crown. This is the part of the tooth that you see when someone is smiling. The crown is covered in a white-colored material called enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance found in the human body. Even though enamel is very strong, it can be easily broken down by the acids produced by bacteria and the acids found in many popular drinks like soda.
- Dentin. Dentin is the layer right beneath the enamel. Although it is not as hard as enamel, its hardness rating is comparable to that of bone. Another profound quality of dentin is its flexibility. For example, if you bite down on very hard food, the dentin is able to flex a little bit to keep your tooth from cracking, like it might if teeth were only made of enamel.
- Pulp. This is the inner most layer of the tooth. The pulp provides blood flow and nutritional health to the tooth. The pulp also allows for the nerves to enter the tooth. Without proper blood flow and innervation of the nerves, a tooth will die. The pulp of a tooth is removed during root canal therapy. This procedure allows your dentist to save the tooth for appearance and function. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes more brittle with an increased risk of breaking. This is why dentists often recommend placing a dental crown over a tooth that has received root canal therapy.
- Root. This part of the tooth is hidden under the gum tissues. This can be seen when the gums recede, as can happen during periodontal disease. The root is what anchors the tooth inside the bone allowing for support when chewing food. Another portion of the root is called cementum. The cementum is a thin layer that anchors the tooth to the bone through the periodontal ligament.
– Periodontal Ligament (PDL). The main function of the periodontal ligament is to attach the teeth to the bone. Additionally, the periodontal ligament sends sensory information to the brain. For example, if you are eating popcorn and bite down hard on a popcorn kernel, your jaw suddenly opens to alleviate the pressure. The periodontal ligament sends that pressure signal to your brain, causing that automatic reflex. The tooth doesn’t feel the pressure since the tooth is only capable of sending pain messages to your brain.
- Gingiva (Gum Tissue). The gums form a collar or sheath around the teeth which protects the underlying bone. When you stop brushing your teeth for an extended period of time, the gingiva become red and puffy as the body starts the inflammatory process. This is the body’s way of defending against the plaque that has built up during that time. If you completely stop brushing, the gingiva will eventually stop fighting against plaque and recede from around the teeth. This results in periodontal disease that can eventually loosen your teeth.
- Bone. The bone holds the whole tooth in its place. The bone is constantly remodeling itself, this is in response to various forces it experiences in the mouth. For example, if you have braces on, there is added pressure pushing on the teeth. The bone remodels itself to help the tooth move to the position in which it is being pushed.
Different Types Of Teeth
Every tooth in the mouth has a specific function. The types of teeth in your mouth include the following:
- Incisors. These are the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper and four lower). They are used for cutting up foods.
- Canines. These are often called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points and are used for tearing foods.
- Premolars. These teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are also called bicuspids. The premolars are used for crushing and tearing.
- Molars. These teeth are used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface.
Maintaining Your Dental Health
An educated patient is an informed patient who can make the best decisions regarding their dental and oral health. Our teeth are very strong, but they are under constant stress from outside forces at all times. If you are experiencing any tooth issues, see your dentist immediately to put your mind and dental health at ease.
