Anatomy of a tooth

Your teeth are the hardest tissue in your body. They are not only for chewing, but also support your cheeks and lips. They take part in the esthetics of your face and the quality of your pronunciation.

A tooth consists of:

1. THE CROWN
The upper, visible part of the tooth.

 

2. THE ENAMEL
The hard, shiny white substance covering the tooth. The enamel protects the dentin beneath the crown.

 

3. THE GINGIVAL SULCUS
The fold between the tooth and the gum, where dental plaque and tartar may accumulate.

 

4. THE DENTIN
Hard tissue covered with enamel. It forms the body of the tooth and surrounds the dental pulp. Dentin is what causes teeth to appear yellow, especially when the enamel layer is thin.

5. THE DENTAL PULP (THE NERVE)
The soft tissue in the middle of the tooth, containing large amounts of nerve tissue and blood vessels. The pulp contains the nerve endings that transmit pain signals.

 

6. THE ROOT
The portion of the tooth surrounded by the alveolar bone. The root is covered with cementum, a substance that gives it protection and serves as an anchor for the ligament that holds the tooth into the bone.

Types and functions of teeth

 

INCISORS

 

  • In the front part of the dental arch (front of the mouth)
  • Have just one root
  • Used to bite off food

 

CANINES

 

  • Between the lateral incisors and the first premolars
  • Have just one root
  • Used to tear and rip food

 

 

PREMOLARS

 

  • Between the canines and the first molars
  • Generally, have just one root
  • Used to grind food

 

MOLARS

 

  • In the rear part of the dental arch (back of the mouth)
  • Have several roots
  • Used to grind food

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