It’s easy to take our teeth for granted. When we’re young, we assume that they’ll stay in our mouth forever, regardless of the constant stress they see on a daily basis. However, without daily oral care, even the hardest substance in the human body can start to break down. Your dentist in Ormond Beach hopes that if patients understand everything our teeth do for us, they’ll take the initiative to better care for them.
Today, your dentist will do just that by going over the anatomy of teeth in great detail.
The Anatomy of the Human Tooth
To understand how teeth protect you daily, you first need to understand the functions each part plays.
- Crown – This refer specifically to the top part of the tooth. It’s what makes up the visible portions of your smile, so it’s important to take care of this if you care about your appearance. While every tooth has a crown, not all of them have the same functions.
- Enamel – The tooth is comprised of three layers, with the enamel layer being the visible portion. While enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it’s important you take care of it to prevent decay and tooth sensitivity.
- Dentin – This layer is directly underneath enamel. It’s meant to act as another layer of protection for your pulp. If you notice yellow discoloration in your smile, it’s likely the dentin peering through your translucent enamel.
- Gumline – The gumline sits where the tooth and gums meet. Without brushing and flossing, plaque can easily cause gingivitis and more advanced forms of gum disease.
- Root – This is embedded in your alveolar bone. It actually makes up two-thirds of your entire tooth and keeps it in place.
- Pulp – This is the soft tissue found in the center of your teeth. Your enamel and dentin is responsible for protecting this vulnerable area where your nerves and blood vessels sit.
The Different Types of Teeth and Their Functions
You may notice that not all of your teeth share the same appearance. This is because there are actually four different types of teeth in your mouth. They include:
- Canines – Also known as cuspids, these pointed teeth are used to tear tough foods like meats.
- Incisors – These sharp teeth are responsible for cutting food. There are four in each arch, for a total of eight.
- Molars – Molars are necessary to grind food and typically experience the most amount of stress. Give close attention to these teeth when brushing and flossing.
- Premolars – These are meant to crush and tear food and have two pointed cuspids. They are also referred to as bicuspids.
Without your teeth, you couldn’t chew, smile, or digest food properly, so brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist in Ormond Beach every six months to keep them in good shape. Schedule an appointment with him today!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He remains an active part of the dental community by teaching and consulting with other top dentists. To learn more about his practice and preventive treatments, contact him through his website.