Have you ever been curious about the structure or anatomy of the tooth? You are not alone. The tooth has different parts with specific functions and features. The major component of the tooth anatomy is the enamel, dentin, roots, root canal chambers and cementum.
When the anatomy of the tooth is compromised, probably from fractured teeth or degraded enamel, the tooth is more prone to cavities. Oral health conditions, including gum diseases, affect the tooth’s health and cause tooth loss. Knowing essential facts about tooth anatomy and the necessary oral health decisions to take should be an important aspect of oral health education for you and your loved ones.
The tooth enamel is the first visible layer of the teeth that serves as a protective shield. It consists of strong minerals like calcium phosphate. These components make it the hardest part of the human body as well as translucent. The enamel is resistant against cavity-causing bacteria, but inadequate oral care can weaken it.
With fluoride treatment, you can strengthen the enamel to keep it healthy and free from cavities.
Cementum is the substance covering the root of the tooth and works like the enamel, but it is softer than enamel. Cementum helps keep the root stable by fusing to the fibers that connect the tooth to the jawbone.
Dentin is located beneath the enamel and under the cementum. It consists of cellular materials and tissues and makes up the highest portion of the tooth anatomy. Dentin is a bone-like material that contains small tubules. Unlike the enamel, dentin is susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria and causes tooth sensitivity.
Just as tree’s roots anchor it in the round, a tooth’s root functions as an anchor in the jawbone. Holding the tooth down is necessary for it to endure the pressure and force of biting and chewing every day. The root is very sensitive and houses the pulp. The pulp is the part of the tooth responsible for the transfer of blood and nutrients needed to keep the tooth alive.
If the root is compromised, probably due to periodontal disease, the entire teeth are at risk. Root infection mainly happens when bacteria in plaques invade the gum tissue and jawbone. The bacteria or damage can harm the bone supporting the tooth. Once the area is injured due to severe tooth decay or trauma, root canal treatment will be necessary. If no treatment occurs, then tooth extraction will be inevitable.
The root is essential for keeping the oral cavity healthy. Through proper oral hygiene routines, especially brushing and flossing, you will be able to keep the tooth healthy and in a good state.
Knowing important facts about the tooth enamel will give you insights into the causes of oral health conditions to help your children develop proper oral hygiene habits. By showing them the unique biological composition of the teeth, you are also training and improving their knowledge of facts about their body.
Learn more about tooth anatomy by scheduling a dental appointment with Smiles in the Village Dentistry. at (317) 218-7985
Are you in need of dental restoration and don’t know where to turn? You are not alone. Countless patients ask themselves this nagging question daily. We all want to have the most beautiful and bright smile but aren’t sure how to achieve our goal. Fortunately, there are solutions that you can count on. There are many…
People who are diligent with oral hygiene may still experience tooth decay or damage that requires dental restorations. Even what may appear to be minor damage should be addressed and repaired by a dentist. Not treating chipped, cracked, or missing teeth can cause serious oral health problems that may otherwise be prevented with simple dental…
Getting a dental restoration is a way to repair teeth that are damaged, including chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, and worn-down enamel. There are different types of dental restorations available. The recommended restoration will depend on the type of tooth damage, the location of the tooth that is damaged, and the patient’s treatment preference. This…
Dentists offer dental restoration services to restore the health and appearance of their patient’s smiles after dealing with oral health concerns, dental trauma, or other dental issues. This review discusses some of the more common types of dental restoration services that are offered by general dentists.Although the services offered by general dentists may vary for…
Receding gums expose the teeth roots, making them vulnerable to heat, cold, pressure, corrosion, and harmful mouth bacteria. The exposure also makes your teeth appear longer than they should be, which can affect the look of your smile.A dentist might recommend gum grafting to correct gum recession. Here is how to know if a gum…
A cosmetic dentist helps enhance the smile's appearance. They may correct cracks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections in the tooth enamel through options, including tooth contouring or dental veneers. While similar, a patient will only need one of these cosmetic dental procedures. Learning the differences between these two procedures can help determine which treatment meets…