You may be curious about how your teeth function and how the parts work together to keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. You might have wondered what your teeth look like on the inside. Your teeth have many parts, and they each have a unique function. There are four main parts of the teeth, and you can learn about them now!
Enamel: When we think about the parts of the teeth in order from outside to the inner layer, this is the first part we would think of. The enamel is a very hard calcified tissue that covers and protects the other parts of the tooth. The enamel contains no living cells. It protects the dentin from damage that can be created by acid and plaque. It cannot repair damage created by decay. Proper, consistent oral care is vital for keeping the enamel strong. If the enamel is damaged, a dentist can repair it, but it will not healon its own.
Dentin: The dentin is the part of the tooth that communicates with the nerves in your teeth. It is a soft, sensitive layer of tissue and it does contain living cells. For this reason, if the dentin is exposed to cold or heat, it can be very painful. It also contains very small canals called tubules. Have you ever wondered why your teeth appear darker sometimes? One reason for this could be the dentin starting to show through the enamel. It is layered between the enamel and the next part of the tooth, the cementum.
Cementum: When we think of the parts of the tooth and you hear the word support, think of the cementum in this important role. The cementum is a hard connective tissue that covers and protects the tooth root. It is a specialized connective tissue that shares physical, chemical, and structural properties of bone. It builds a connection between the root and the periodontal ligament, shielding it and making sure that if there is ligament damage, you do not lose your tooth permanently or prematurely. Think of cementum as an anchor that brings the fibers of the root to the ligaments. The ligaments hold the tooth to the alveolar bone within the socket.
Pulp: Every part of your body needs nourishment to thrive, and your teeth are no different. The pulp is the soft, living tissue in the center of the tooth. It contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. The pulp is directly beneath the layer of dentin and is closely related and interconnected to it when it comes to overall health and survival. It is also known as the endodontium. The main four functions of the pulp are formation and nutrition of the dentin, as well as defense of the tooth. Dentin formation is one of the most critical roles carried out by the pulp which helps fight against decay and other potential damage.
All four of these parts of the teeth work together to keep your teeth healthy, and regular oral care like brushing and flossing is critical to maintain them. We also encourage you to visit your dentist every six months to ensure any problems are detected early.
Other Sources
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anatomy-and-development-of-the-mouth-and-teeth
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