Your Dentist in Pleasant Grove Discusses the Anatomy of Your Teeth

Your pearly whites are meant to do more than just shine. These beauties serve an incredibly important role in your overall health. Have you ever wondered what they’re made of? Or, maybe why they can cause us so much pain? Your dentist in Pleasant Grove explains how many types of teeth there are as well as the anatomy of our teeth.

The Anatomy of a Tooth

When looking at your teeth, what do you see? Probably just the top portion, right? Well, there’s a lot of working parts to a tooth, which is why learning about the parts of your teeth can help you to better understand why it’s important to keep them clean and healthy. Here’s a breakdown of a tooth’s anatomy:

• Crown: This is what you see when you open your mouth. The crown’s shape determines how the tooth works. Front teeth are chisel-shaped and sharp so they can effectively cut through food; however, your back teeth (molars) are flat so you can grind necessary food items.
• Root: What you can’t see is the root, which is embedded into your bone. Serving as the anchor, it secures your tooth, so it doesn’t simply fall out. The root also makes up two-thirds of your actual tooth.
• Enamel: This is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body. The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and can be easily damaged by decay. Less enamel usually means more sensitive teeth, too.
• Dentin: Underneath your enamel lies the dentin. When decay attacks the enamel and makes its way into the dentin, tiny tubes lead it to the pulp (soft tissue) of your tooth.
• Pulp: This is where the soft tissue of your tooth lives. Found in the center of your teeth, there’s nerve tissue and blood vessels that exist. When decay meets pulp, it usually equals pain.
• Gumline: When your white tooth meets the soft, pink tissue, you’ve reached the gumline. While healthy gums fit tightly around your teeth, unhealthy gums plagued by plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease.

From Molars to Incisors: Types of Teeth

Now that you know the anatomy of a tooth, it’s time to learn about the different types of teeth that exist within your mouth.

• Canines. Also known as cuspids, these teeth come to a point are meant for tearing food.
• Premolars. If you need to crush or tear something, your premolars will take care of it. These have two pointed cusps, also known as bicuspids, on the biting surface.
• Molars. You know that delicious steak that needs to be ground down a bit more before swallowing, your molars have several cusps on the surface that will do the trick.
• Incisors. Your front teeth are known as incisors because of their sharp, chisel-shape. You have four upper and four lower incisors that are meant to cut the food you eat.

It’s important to keep your teeth clean and healthy if you want them to last. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, as well as visiting your dentist every six months can keep bacteria away and your teeth shining bright.

About the Practice
Are you looking for expert, high-quality service? Look no further than the Bear Creek Family Dentistry Pleasant Grove office. Our general dentists work alongside specialists to ensure you are provided a long-term treatment plan that meets your dental needs. No matter what kind of treatment you need, we’re here to give you the smile you deserve. Contact us via our website or by calling (469) 778-3497 to learn more.