The tooth is one of the strongest and most valuable parts of the human body. It is made up of several parts, all of which play a significant role in the health and function of the teeth. Knowledge of the basic anatomy of the tooth makes us understand how they are built, what purpose they serve, helping us to take oral hygiene more seriously. Each tooth is made of two major parts, including the crown and root.
Crown
It’s the visible portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line. The shape of the crown varies depending on the type of tooth and its function. For instance, the incisors have a sharp and chisel-shaped top suitable for cutting while the molars have flat surfaces for crushing and grinding.
Enamel
The enamel is the thin hard layer that protects the visible part of the tooth (crown). It is translucent due to its mineral composition and is responsible for giving the tooth its shiny appearance. As hard as it is, when individuals neglect proper dental care practices like regular brushing and flossing, the enamel can be eroded by acid producing bacteria resulting in dental cavities.
Dentin
Dentin is the pale yellow layer of the tooth that lies between the enamel and the pulp chamber. Though it’s not as hard as the enamel, it’s as tough as a human bone tissue with microscopic tubules called dentinal tubules. It also offers protection and support to the crown of the teeth. The dentine is porous and once attacked by decay, can get damaged very quickly resulting in severe cavities that cause extreme pain and discomfort.
Gum Line
This refers to the gum tissue that holds the teeth in position and protects the root of the tooth from decay. The gum also protects the teeth that are in their formative stages and not yet fully erupted.
Cementum
It refers to the outside of the tooth’s root that helps attach the tooth to the jaw bone (periodontal ligament) and gum tissue.
Root
This is the part of the tooth that is hidden below the gum line. The root is about 2/3 of the tooth’s total length. It firmly anchors the tooth in the jaw bone, allowing for support while chewing food. The number of roots varies for each type of tooth, with the front teeth having one root while premolars and molars feature two or three roots.
Pulp
Pulp is also referred to as the nerve of the tooth. It is located at the center of the tooth and contains tiny nerves and blood vessels that enter the tooth from an opening at the apex of the root. The pulp is the only living tissue in the tooth structure and is responsible for transporting signals to the brain and nutrients to the tooth. When decay reaches the pulp, a root canal procedure is necessary; otherwise, you risk losing the tooth altogether.
Now that you have an understanding of the tooth anatomy, it only makes sense to keep each part healthy by maintaining a proper dental care routine. Keep your mouth and teeth clean by brushing twice with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily. Frequent dental visits should also not be ignored to have your teeth cleaned as well as checked to ensure problems like cavities and gum diseases are kept at bay.