Learning About Tooth Anatomy

1. Learning About Tooth Anatomy Teeth are one of the strongest parts of your body. They are essential for chewing and help you to speak and smile. Keep reading to learn more about the different parts of teeth and the different types of teeth. For anyone that likes a really good smile, it’s important to have a good knowledge of tooth anatomy. The teeth are one of the strongest parts of your body. They are essential for chewing and help you to speak and smile. Keep reading to learn more about the different parts of teeth and the different types of teeth.

2. Tooth anatomy: Types of Teeth There are four types of teeth found in the adult human mouth Incisor The incisors are the front four teeth located in both the top and bottom jaws. The two middle incisors are called the ‘central’ incisors. The teeth next to them are called the ‘lateral’ incisors. Canine There are four canine teeth in the mouth. One canine tooth is located in each corner of the mouth. They are next to the lateral incisors. Canine teeth are the sharpest teeth and are used for tearing food apart.

3. Premolar The premolar teeth are located between the canine and molar teeth. Most adults have eight premolar teeth. There is usually two present in each corner of the mouth. Premolar teeth are used to tear and crush food. Molar The large molar teeth are located at the back of the mouth. They are used to chew foods. Most adults will have twelve molars in total but may only have eight molar teeth present in their mouths. The third molar teeth, which are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’, often do not fit in the mouth or need to be removed. Children have incisors, canine, and molar teeth. Only adults have premolar teeth. The premolar teeth replace the baby molar teeth and the adult molar teeth develop behind these. No baby teeth need to fall out for the adult molar teeth to appear in the mouth. If you do not have a dentist, you can find an ADA-member dentist near you by using Find- a-dentist.

4. Parts of the Teeth Crown The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums, inside the mouth. Root The tooth roots are located below the gum and hold the teeth within the jaw bone. Incisor and canine teeth have one root. Premolars can have one or two roots while upper molar teeth generally have three roots and lower molar teeth have two roots.

5. Enamel Tooth enamel is the hard, white calcified tooth structure that makes up the outside layer of the crown. It is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the inside parts of the tooth. Tooth enamel cannot repair itself when damaged. There are no nerves in the tooth enamel and it cannot feel pain. Dentine This is the inside layer of the tooth that is protected by the hard enamel. Dentine is made of tiny tubes with nerve fibres present which gives the dentine feeling. It is yellowish in colour. Cementum The hard tissue layer covering the surface of the tooth roots. This outer layer is not as strong as enamel. Dental Pulp The soft tissue in the centre of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It runs down the centre of the tooth root/s connecting to the blood and nerve supply in the surrounding jaw bone. Periodontal Ligament Soft tissue fibres surround the tooth root connecting the tooth to the surrounding jaw bone. 1300180555 www.royaldentalcare.com.au booking@royaldentalcare.com.au