Do You Know What’s Inside Your Amazing Teeth?
Created on January 15, 2016
Your teeth – which are designed to last you a lifetime – can affect your general health. It’s true: Tooth decay, poor dental habits and time, itself, can play havoc with your teeth and subsequently with your health. It helps to be informed, so let’s get to the basics…and learn what kind of teeth you have and what makes them so strong and amazing:
Each of your teeth is comprised of two parts: The visible crown and the root which lies under the surface of your gums. You mouth contains four kinds of teeth:
- The Incisors…the teeth in the front of your mouth. There are a total of eight and all have the same function – they are for biting into food. Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, at around 6 months of age.
- The Canines…you share these with your dog. They are the pointed, sharp teeth next to your incisors. There are two on the top row and two on the bottom. They are used to tear pieces of food.
- The Pre-molars (bicuspids)…as an adult, you have eight pre-molars, the large, flat teeth behind your canine teeth that tear, crush, and mash your food.
- The Molars…your largest teeth which are found at the very back of your mouth. Including the wisdom teeth, most adults have 12 molars. They are also used for chewing and grinding your food.
Your teeth contain four types of tissue:
- Enamel is the visible substance that covers the crown. Harder than bone, enamel is made up of phosphorous and calcium and protects the tooth from decay.
- Dentin lies underneath the enamel. It looks similar to bone but is not as hard as enamel
- Cementum is the tissue covering the tooth root, helping anchor it to the bone. It is softer than enamel and dentin.
- Pulp is found at the center of your tooth and contains the blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues that deliver signals and nutrients to your teeth.
At Taylor Street Dental we can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile!
If it’s been a while since you visited a dentist, call for a consultation appointment, today, “for your great smile”: (413) 241-3264.
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