Knowing the ins and outs of your teeth is the first step in proper oral care and teeth whitening in San Diego CA. As part of this health and wellness culture, knowledge about the way your teeth are put together can help take good care of them in San Diego, CA. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the various pieces of a tooth in more detail, and also how to care for them.
The Structure of a Tooth
1. The Crown
The crown is the part of the tooth that you can see above your gum line. It is that part of the tooth responsible for chewing and grinding the food. The crown shape depends on the type of tooth many incisors are sharp-edged for cutting, canines are pointed for tearing, and molars have flattened surfaces for grinding.
2. The Root
The root is the area of a tooth that is anchored in the jawbone. This holds the tooth in place. A tooth may have one or more roots, depending on the tooth type. The root is surrounded by a layer of cementum and is anchored to the jawbone via the periodontal ligament.
3. Enamel
It is the hardest substance in the human body and covers the crown of the tooth. This helps with chewing and acidic foods and drinks. Because you can’t replace enamel, steps must be taken to protect it to avoid erosion and decay.
4. Dentin
Dentin lies beneath the enamel — it is a yellowish tissue with a light brown look given its passages. Dentin is softer than enamel and has little tubes in it which can feel temperature and pain to the pulp of the tooth.
5. Pulp
The pulp lies at the center and includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp goes from the crown to the root’s apex. It provides life support and alerts to the tooth.
6. Cementum
Cementum — a specific form of calcified substance that is coated or covers the tooth roots. It attaches to the fibers of the periodontal ligament and helps anchor the tooth in your jawbone. Compared to enamel and dentin, cementum is softer; however, it is important in maintaining the stability of the tooth.
The Types of Teeth:
There are four types of teeth in humans and all the other animals with these characteristics each having a specific set of functions.
1. Incisors
The front teeth are incisors — four on top and four on the bottom. The tip is cut in a way that makes it sharp as a chisel, sharpened on both inner sides for cutting food. They are also vital in forming words and supporting the lips.
2. Canines
Canines or cuspids are the pilgrim teeth, which are found lateral to the incisors. There are a total of four canines, which we use to tear and hold food.
3. Premolars
Between the canines and molars are premolars, also called bicuspids. As adults, humans and other primates have two premolars on each side of both upper and lower jaws. Their flat textured service is used for crushing and grinding food.
4. Molars
The biggest teeth are the molars in the back of your mouth. There are 12 molars in an adult, four of which are wisdom teeth. The large, flat surface of molars with multiple cusps grinds and chews food well.
Understanding the anatomy of your teeth is the first step toward maintaining excellent oral health. In San Diego, CA, where a healthy lifestyle is highly prized, taking care of your teeth is vital. By following proper oral hygiene habits, eating a balanced diet, and seeing your dentist frequently, you can guarantee that your teeth remain strong and healthy for years to come. If you have any worries about your oral health, don’t hesitate to call a trustworthy dental expert in San Diego for advice and treatment.