Each tooth is comprised of two parts:
•The visible crown
•The root which lies under the surface of your gums and is not visible.
You mouth contains four kinds of teeth:
•The Incisors, which are the teeth in the front of your mouth. There are a total of eight; they each have the same function – biting into food. Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, at around six months of age.
•The Canines 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 food.
•The Pre-molars (bicuspids) are the large, flat teeth behind your canine teeth that tear, crush, and mash food. As an adult, you have eight pre-molars.
•The Molars are your largest teeth and are found at the back of your mouth. Including the wisdom teeth, most adults have 12 molars. They are also used for chewing and grinding food.
Your teeth contain four types of tissue:
•The 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.
•The dentin lies underneath the enamel. It looks similar to bone but is not as hard as enamel.
•The cementum is the tissue covering the tooth root, helping anchor it to the bone. It is softer than enamel and dentin.
•The 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.
Let us help you maintain a healthy smile for life. If it’s been a while since you had a dental exam and cleaning, call for an appointment, today: 414-377-5711.
