Schedule AppointmentHow Well Do You Know Your Teeth?
You know what your teeth are and what they do, but do you really know your teeth? Teeth are an essential part of our body, so it is important to know the parts that make up teeth and the different kinds of teeth we have.
The Different Parts of a Tooth
Crown: The crown, is just how it sounds, it is the top part of the tooth, and is the only part of your tooth that you can actually see. The shape of a tooth’s crown signifies its function; for example, molars have a flatter surface for grinding food when we eat.
Gumline: This is where your tooth and gums meet. This area is particularly susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease.
Root: Just like tree roots in the ground, the roots of the tooth are embedded in the bone. The root of your tooth is important, as it makes up around two-thirds of the tooth and keeps it in place.
Enamel: The enamel on the outside of your teeth is the hardest tissue in your body. However, it can be easily damaged without proper oral care.
Dentin: Dentin is the layer of teeth under the enamel. It has millions of microscopic tubes that lead to the pulp, and if decay reaches the dentin, it can cause some severe damage.
Pulp: The center of your tooth contains soft tissue, called pulp, where all the nerve tissue and blood vessels are located. If decay makes its way to the pulp, you will experience pain.
The Different Kinds of Teeth
Incisors: The sharp front teeth used for cutting food. There are four on the top row of teeth, and four on the bottom.
Canines: These teeth used for tearing food are also known as cuspids.
Premolars: Also known as bicuspids, these have two pointed ends on the biting surface for tearing and crushing food.
Molars: These have several peaks on the surface used for grinding.
Do you feel like you know your teeth a little better? Now treat them right and practice proper dental care!
Courtesy of Colgate
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Tooth-Anatomy/article
The Different Parts of a Tooth
Crown: The crown, is just how it sounds, it is the top part of the tooth, and is the only part of your tooth that you can actually see. The shape of a tooth’s crown signifies its function; for example, molars have a flatter surface for grinding food when we eat.
Gumline: This is where your tooth and gums meet. This area is particularly susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease.
Root: Just like tree roots in the ground, the roots of the tooth are embedded in the bone. The root of your tooth is important, as it makes up around two-thirds of the tooth and keeps it in place.
Enamel: The enamel on the outside of your teeth is the hardest tissue in your body. However, it can be easily damaged without proper oral care.
Dentin: Dentin is the layer of teeth under the enamel. It has millions of microscopic tubes that lead to the pulp, and if decay reaches the dentin, it can cause some severe damage.
Pulp: The center of your tooth contains soft tissue, called pulp, where all the nerve tissue and blood vessels are located. If decay makes its way to the pulp, you will experience pain.
The Different Kinds of Teeth
Incisors: The sharp front teeth used for cutting food. There are four on the top row of teeth, and four on the bottom.
Canines: These teeth used for tearing food are also known as cuspids.
Premolars: Also known as bicuspids, these have two pointed ends on the biting surface for tearing and crushing food.
Molars: These have several peaks on the surface used for grinding.
Do you feel like you know your teeth a little better? Now treat them right and practice proper dental care!
Courtesy of Colgate
http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Tooth-Anatomy/article
