26 Aug 2016 6 Things You Should Know About the Anatomy of a Tooth
The human teeth primary function is to break down food in preparation for swallowing and eventual digestion. The human teeth are of four types that include incisors, canines, molars and premolars.
Tooth facts dictate that every type of teeth perform its function. The primary duty of the incisors is to cut food. Canines shred the food while the molars and the premolars crush the food. According to anatomy of tooth, the root of the tooth is embedded in the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The gums cover the tooth. If you have been wondering what is tooth made of, the tooth is made up of layers of tissues that have varying density and hardness:
1. Crown
Crown is the topmost part of the tooth, and it is the only part that is visible. Tooth facts have shown that the shape of a crown substantially determines a tooth’s function. For example, the teeth that are situated at the front are chisel shaped and sharp. Their design makes it simple for them to cut food. The flat surface of molars makes them suitable for grinding food.
2. Enamel
Enamel is the exterior part of the teeth, and it is composed of calcium phosphate. The calcium phosphate is a hard rock mineral that makes the outermost part of the teeth healthy. If not taken care of, the enamel can be easily damaged through decay.
3. Dentin
Dentin is the layer of the teeth that comes just below the enamel. When decay of a tooth has progressed through the enamel, it attacks the dentin. According to anatomy of tooth, the dentin is made up of living cells. Dentin is softer by nature when compared to enamel. Therefore, it is capable of decaying faster if not immediately treated.
4. Pulp
The pulp is the delicate tissue that is located in the center of the teeth. It’s at the core of the teeth where the nerve tissues and blood vessels found. When the tooth decay has reached the pulp, a person usually feels a lot of pain.
5. Root
Examining the root is critical in understanding what is tooth made of. Root is the part of a tooth that is implanted into a bone. The root supports the tooth in its place.
6. Gum line
Gum line is found where the tooth and the gums meet. The gum line needs to be brushed and flossed regularly to avoid build up of plaque and tartar. The buildup of these materials leads to gum disease and gingivitis.
Good oral care is paramount for healthy teeth. Practicing these dental habits will ensure that you have excellent dental health:
- Taking care of the toothbrush: Toothbrush should be rinsed well after use and placed in an upright position. The American Dental Association advises that a toothbrush should be replaced after three months.
- Tongue brushing: Brushing your tongue will assist in fighting bacteria in the mouth.
- Fluoride treatment: Fluoride therapy is recommended to protect the teeth against dental caries. The Fluoride makes the enamel resistant to demineralization hence more resistant to decay.
If you have any worries related to dental health or the anatomy of tooth, make a visit to your dentist for a thorough checkup and advice.