Teeth Anatomy

Content

  • The Structure of a Tooth
  • The Different Types of Teeth and Their Functions
  • How the Teeth Form
  • Why the White Part of the Teeth Turn Yellow
  • How Whitening Products and Procedures Restore The Teeth Whiteness
  • How to Protect Your Teeth and Keep Them Healthy
  • Common Dental Problems and How To Treat Them
  • Fun Facts About The Teeth
  • Dental Care Tips for Children and Adults
  • What To Do In Case Of Dental Emergency
Crest Whitestrips effect on the teeth

Teeth Anatomy

The teeth play an important role in our everyday lives. Not only do they allow us to eat and speak, but they also help us look and feel our best, help us to smile with confidence. It’s no wonder that so many people are interested in learning more about them. In this article, we will take a closer look at the anatomy of the teeth.

To start off, let’s discuss the structure and parts of a tooth, including the crown, the root, the enamel and the dentin. In order to keep our teeth healthy and functioning properly, it is important to understand their anatomy. 

 

The Structure of a Tooth

A tooth is made up of three different parts: the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp. The enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the tooth. The dentin is a softer layer that lies underneath the enamel and surrounds the pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves.

The roots of a tooth are embedded in the jawbone. The roots are covered with cementum, which is a tough material that helps to hold the teeth in place.

 

The Different Types of Teeth and Their Functions

There are four types of teeth:

  • Incisors
  • Canines
  • Premolars, and
  • Molars.

Incisors are the front teeth that are used for cutting food. Canines are the sharp, pointed teeth that are used for tearing food. Premolars are the teeth that are located between the incisors and the canines. They are used for grinding food. Molars are the back teeth that are used for crushing food.

Each type of tooth has a specific function:

  • Incisors: Cut food into small pieces.
  • Canines: Tear food into smaller pieces.
  • Premolars: Grind food into a paste-like consistency.
  • Molars: Crush food into small pieces.

The Crown of a Tooth

The part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth is called the crown. The crown is covered with enamel on the outside and dentin on the inside. The root of the tooth extends down into the jawbone and anchors the tooth in place.

The Pulp of a Tooth

The pulp is located in the centre of the tooth and contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The pulp helps to nourish and protect the tooth. If the pulp becomes damaged or infected, it can cause a toothache.

The Root of a Tooth

The root of the tooth extends down into the jawbone and anchors the tooth in place. The root is covered with cementum on the outside and dentin on the inside.

The Gums

The gums are a soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. The gums help to protect the teeth from bacteria and plaque. They also provide a cushion for the teeth when you chew food.

The Wisdom Teeth and Their Functions

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are used to crush food.

Some people do not have wisdom teeth because they may be impacted (stuck in the jawbone), missing, or malformed. If a person does have wisdom teeth, there is a chance that they may need to be removed. Wisdom teeth can cause pain and lead to other dental problems if they are not properly taken care of.

How the Teeth Form

The teeth continue to develop right from the time they start to form in the embryo. The early form of a tooth is called a tooth bud. A tooth bud is made up of cells that will eventually become the enamel, dentin, and pulp of a tooth.

The enamel is the hard outer layer of a tooth. Enamel is formed from a type of protein called keratin. Keratin is also found in hair and nails. The dentin is the middle layer of a tooth. Dentin is made up of cells that produce a hard mineral called hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite helps to protect the pulp inside the tooth. The pulp is the soft inner part of a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.

The roots of teeth are embedded in the jawbone. The roots are covered with a layer of cementum. Cementum is made up of cells that produce a hard mineral called collagen. Collagen helps to hold the tooth in place in the jawbone.

The development of the teeth with age is assisted by the eruption of teeth. This process is controlled by the genetics and environmental factors. The eruption of teeth begins with the appearance of the first primary tooth, which is usually at around six months of age. The last tooth to erupt is the wisdom tooth, which usually comes in between the ages of 17 and 25 years old.

The shape, size, and color of teeth are also affected by genetics and environmental factors. Some people have straight teeth, while others have crooked teeth. Some people have white teeth, while others have yellow teeth. Environmental factors such as smoking and drinking coffee can also cause teeth to become stained.

Why the White Part of the Teeth Turn Yellow

The enamel is white because it is made up of a mineral called hydroxyapatite. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and protects the teeth from decay. The dentin underneath the enamel is yellow because it contains organic material called dentin tubules. These tubules allow nerve endings and blood vessels to reach the pulp inside the tooth.

When the teeth turn yellow, what happens is that the organic material in the dentin tubules begins to break down. This breakdown process is called dental caries, or tooth decay. The enamel may also become thin and eroded, which will make the teeth more susceptible to decay.

How Whitening Products and Procedures Restore The Teeth Whiteness

When teeth stains and begins to yellow as a result of the breakdown of the organic material in the dentin tubules, whitening products can help to return them to their natural color. Whitening products work by lightening the appearance of the tooth enamel.

There are many different types of whitening products available, including over-the-counter treatments and professional procedures. Over-the-counter treatments usually involve using a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth in the form of a gel or a strip. Professional procedures usually entail using a laser or other type of light to activate the bleaching agent.

No matter what type of whitening product you use, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Improper use of whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity and other complications. Always talk to your dentist before using a whitening product, especially if you have any dental health concerns.

How to Protect Your Teeth and Keep Them Healthy

Now that you know about the different parts of a tooth, here are some tips for keeping your teeth healthy:

There are a number of things you can do to protect your teeth from becoming stained or decaying. Some of these include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing your teeth every day
  • Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
  • Avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and cola
  • Quitting smoking cigarettes
  • Drinking plenty of water each day
  • Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
  • Limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks.
  • Use a sugar-free chewing gum after meals.
  • Practice good oral hygiene habits.

When you take care of your teeth, they will stay healthy and looking good for many years to come!

Before & After Teeth Whitening - competition time

Common Dental Problems and How To Treat Them

Common dental problems include

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay.

If you experience any of these problems, be sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

Cavities

Cavities are caused by bacteria that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth decay and even loss of the tooth. Cavities can be treated with a filling or crown, depending on the severity of the problem. The typical treatment for cavities is a dental filling.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth) that accumulate on the gums and lead to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can be treated with a variety of methods, including antibiotics, deep cleaning, and surgery. The typical treatment for gum disease is a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to cavities and even loss of the tooth. Tooth decay can be treated with a filling or crown, depending on the severity of the problem. The typical treatment for tooth decay is a dental filling.

Fun Facts About The Teeth

  1. The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
  2. Your teeth are constantly growing and regenerating.
  3. Teeth are one of the first things that form in a baby’s mouth.
  4. A toothache is one of the most common types of pain.
  5. humans have two sets of teeth – baby teeth and adult teeth.
  6. The average person has 32 teeth.
  7. The wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to come in, and they usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.

 

Dental Care Tips for Children and Adults

The British Dental Association has established the following tips for good dental care:

  1. Parents should clean their baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and water twice a day as soon as they erupt.
  2. Children should continue to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste until the age of seven. After that, they should brush at least once a day.
  3. Adults should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
  4. Everyone should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning.

In addition to these general tips, the tips to keep the gum and teeth highlighted above should be adhered to. We have more information in our blog post on teeth whitening mistakes to avoid.

 

What To Do In Case Of Dental Emergency

If you have a dental emergency, call your dentist as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your dentist, go to the nearest emergency room. Some common dental emergencies include:

  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken tooth
  • Severe pain or swelling in the mouth
  • A cut lip or tongue
  • A lost filling or crown
  • A toothache that does not go away
  • Sudden bleeding from the gums
  • A mouth infection

Dental emergencies can be very frightening and painful. However, if you take care of them as soon as possible, you may be able to avoid further damage to your teeth and gums.

Summary

In summary, the teeth are one of the most prominent and important features of the human body. They play a crucial role in chewing and digestion, and are also necessary for speech. The teeth are composed of several different parts, including the enamel, dentin, pulp, and root. Dental emergencies can be very frightening and painful, but if you take care of them as soon as possible, you may be able to avoid further damage to your teeth and gums.