A Patient's Guide to Tooth Anatomy
The tooth is a complex structure, and one of the hardest within the body. Your teeth are designed to help you chew hard foods, assist in the formation of speech sounds, provide symmetry for the face, and maintain the natural shape of the oral bones. Learn about the anatomy of a tooth from the article below.
Enamel: Tooth enamel is made of calcium phosphate and other hard mineral composites. This comprises the outer layer of the tooth.
Dentin: Dentin is the layer directly beneath the enamel. The dentin is made of active cells that secrete a hard, mineral substance, which help make the enamel strong. If you’ve ever experienced tooth sensitivity when you drink cold liquids, then you were most likely feeling a weak spot in your tooth where the enamel has worn down to the dentin due to decay.
Pulp: Beneath the dentin is a layer known as the pulp. It is a softer structure within the tooth that is also made of living cells. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp, supplying the tooth with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Gum: The gums are not directly related to the anatomy of the tooth, but they are directly related to the health of a tooth. The gums rest against the teeth and help hold them in place. If food particles get lodged between your gums and tooth, then you could develop gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, then the gums will recede, allowing the tooth to become lose.
Bone : All of the teeth are connected to the oral bones. When infections like gum disease are left unaddressed, then the bacteria can infect the bone and cause it to deteriorate. A substance called cementum consists of a layer of connective tissues that binds the roots of the teeth to the gums and bone.
If you need help maintaining your dental health, then make regular visits to Brighter Dental Care a part of your dental hygiene routine. We offer periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic, and oral surgery services, so think of us for all of your dental care needs. To schedule an appointment, call us at (609) 683-5300.
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