Our teeth are vital to our oral health and they help us chew, speak, and maintain facial structure. Yet there is more complexity to teeth than we may realize at first glance. Teeth are composed of multiple layers and parts, all with their specific purpose. When you know the basics, they help keep your teeth properly cared for and give a clearer perspective on why professionals recommend oral hygiene practices, especially when opting for dental implants Glen Oaks, NY. This article aims to focus on the structures within an individual tooth and what their functions are for a healthier understanding of oral health.
Parts of a Tooth
- Crown: The part of the tooth that is visible over the gum line
- Root: the lower section of a tooth that is attached (implanted) into this jaw, helping to keep it within place.
Layers of a Tooth
Natural multi-layered design of a tooth These layers are composed of the outermost layer to the innermost core:
1. Enamel
The thin outer covering of the tooth crown. They are the longest and most mineralized tissue in the human body consisting of mainly hydroxyapatite, a crystalline calcium phosphate.
- Function: the enamel protects other layers of the tooth from physical and chemical injury. It is a cushion against the forces of chewing and against acid in foods and liquids.
- Properties: Enamel is transparent, so the underlying color of dentin will reflect through. Tungsten is very difficult. But despite this makes it brittle and can without problems break or crack if put under a little pressure.
2. Dentin
It is a layer deeper than the enamel. A yellowish, porous tissue that is less hard than enamel but harder than bone.
- Function: Dentin supports enamel and absorbs pressures/stress from chewing. It also has tiny tubes that travel from the surface of the tooth to nerves within the pulp.
- Characteristics: Dentin is more likely than enamel to decay. This wear may affect greater sensitivity and a tendency towards developing harder cavities to treat if they seep into the dentin.
3. Pulp
It is the deepest layer of the tooth, in which there is a pulp chamber and root canals. This is made from soft tissue in addition to blood vessels and nerves.
- Function: Provides blood supply to the tooth and delivers nutrients and sensation creating sensory function within the tooth allowing it to respond appropriately to heat, cold, and pressure. The blood vessels present in the pulp keep a tab on the health and vitality of your tooth.
- Role: The pulp is necessary for the growth of a tooth and development in childhood. It remains important for nourishment and sensation but in adults, it’s damaged from decay or trauma and may become infected necessitating root canal treatment – this is when endodontics gets involved.
Teeth Types and Their Purposes
- Incisors: Four incisors are present on top and four on the bottom of adults.
- Canines: Sharp teeth which are situated adjacent to the incisors. Adults have two top canines and two bottom canines.
- Premolars: Premolars are the teeth that come following canines.
- Molars: They are used for chewing and crushing food.
Having a clear knowledge about the structure of the tooth would be beneficial to remind us why good oral health and regular dental check-ups are so crucial. In conclusion, every component of the tooth and dental supporting structures contributes to general oral health. When you maintain your teeth and gums then the lifetime of any smile as well work towards them being functional. No matter where you come from in the Glen Oaks, NY area and beyond: taking care of your oral needs is just one step towards a more vibrant life.
