Dental problems can occur at any age. From the youngest children to the most senior adult, being educated about tooth issues is important. So what’s going on inside your teeth, and how does it affect other aspects of your health? Today, the Troy Family Dentist talks about the parts make up your teeth.
The Anatomy of Your Tooth
The anatomy of a tooth is actually quite simple. A tooth is made up of various layers that work together to give us our beautiful smiles. Every tooth is made up of multiple parts. These parts are as follows:
Crown – This is the part of the tooth that you see when 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 easily be broken down by the acids produced by oral bacteria and the acids found is many popular drinks like soda.
Dentin – Dentin is the layer right beneath the enamel. Although not as hard as enamel, its hardness is comparable to that of bone
Pulp – This is the inner most layer of the tooth. The pulp provides blood flow and nutrition to the tooth. The pulp also allows for the nerves to enter the tooth.
Root – This part of the tooth is hidden under the gum tissues. This can be visible when the gums recede as can happen during periodontal disease. The root anchors the tooth inside the bone allowing for support during chewing of food.
Gingiva (Gum Tissue) – The gums form a sheath around the teeth that 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 begins the inflammatory process. This is the body’s way of defending against the plaque that has built up. If you completely stop brushing, the gingiva will eventually start to lose the war against plaque and recede from around the 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 are forces pushing on the teeth. The bone remodels itself to help the tooth move to the position in which it is being pushed.
We believe that educated patients are informed patients. Your teeth are quite strong but they undergo constant wear and tear from a number of sources. If you are experiencing any tooth issues see the Troy Family dentist immediately to put your mind and dental health at ease.