The teeth are made of up different parts, each of which has a special function.
The teeth play an important role in our overall health because they allow us to eat and speak comfortably. But do you know that your teeth are actually composed of a number of tissues, some of which are hard and some of which are soft? The hard tissues include enamel, dentin and cementum, while the pulp, which is made of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, is soft. Read on to find out more about the anatomy of your teeth and how each component works to achieve a functional smile…
What are the parts of a tooth?
A tooth is made up of various parts. The top part, which is visible when you smile, is known as a crown. The shape of the crown plays an important role in the way in which your tooth functions. The front teeth, for example, are sharp and shaped for cutting up food, while the back teeth are flatter and better suited to grinding.
The outer layer of the tooth is made up of a hard substance called enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is very important when it comes to protecting your teeth from damage. It is important to understand, however, that enamel does not contain living cells that can regenerate, so it cannot repair itself from damage caused by decay or wear and tear.
Underneath the enamel is the dentin, which contains tiny tubes. When the enamel is damaged and the dentin is exposed, you may experience tooth sensitivity as the nerves and cells within the tooth are stimulated by hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as sweet or acidic foods.
The soft centre of the tooth is called the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerve tissue and blood vessels.
The area where the tooth and gums meet is known as the gumline. This part of the mouth is particularly prone to the build-up of plaque and tartar, which is why regular brushing and flossing are so important.
The root of the tooth is embedded in the jawbone. This part of the tooth makes up around 75 percent of the tooth and plays an important part in keeping the tooth securely in place.
A hard tissue known as cementum covers the tooth root, and helps to attach it to the periodontal ligament.
What types of teeth do we have?
Every tooth in the mouth has its own specific function. The four upper and lower front teeth are known as the incisors — they are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting.
The canines, on the other hand, are used for tearing up food and are shaped like points.
The premolars feature two pointed cusps and work well to crush and tear food, while the molars are used for grinding.
How can we help?
At Ironside Advanced Dental, we love to educate our patients when it comes to all things related to their oral health. We encourage our patients to stay informed about what it takes to maintain a healthy smile and to chat to us about any questions or concerns that may arise.
If you have an oral health concern that you would like addressed, or you would like to improve the appearance of your smile, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Professor Jim Ironside and his team of committed professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry and can guide you through your treatment of choice.
Professor Jim Ironside offers a full range of high-quality treatments, including cosmetic, restorative, preventative, and general dentistry. To find out more about these services, please have a look here.
To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call on (02) 9267 3495. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Sydney and providing you with the dental care that you need.