Guiding Questions
- What are the teeth?
- What are different types of teeth?
- What are the parts of the teeth?
- What are the functions of the teeth?
Overview
When people think of important parts of the body, they mostly think of the heart, lungs, or brain – however, other parts of the body, such as the teeth, can also play a vital role in the functioning of the human body.
The teeth are an important part of the body’s digestive system. They help break down and chew food. Most people have 32 permanent teeth. Despite popular belief, teeth aren’t bones because they can’t repair themselves like bones can and they don’t have marrow like your bones do.
Types of Teeth
There are 4 main types of teeth.
Incisors are the ones you can easily see in the front of your mouth. There are eight total – four on the top and four on the bottom. For both the top and the bottom jaw, they include the two middle teeth and the teeth that are on either side of those middle teeth. They are important for cutting into the food you bite with their thin edge, just like scissors.
Canines are the four pointy teeth that are in the “four corners” of the mouth. There are two located under each eye – one on the top jaw and one on the bottom (hence they are sometimes referred to as “eye teeth”). They’re called canines because they look like the sharp fangs of a dog. They help cut into harder and chewier foods.
Premolars or bicuspids are located between the molars and the canines. They are a “blend” of molars and canines that help crush and grind food as it is being chewed in the mouth. Baby teeth do not include premolars.
Molars are responsible for 90% of the chewing you do. They are located in the very back of your mouth. Once the other teeth initially tear open the food you eat, the molars help grind the food into small particles that can be swallowed and digested. Adults have twelve total (six upper and six lower), while babies have eight total (four upper and four lower). Wisdom teeth are the third molars of the mouth.
Parts of the Teeth
The teeth are made of two main parts – the crown and the root.
- The crown is the part above the gums that you can see. It is covered by enamel.
- The root is the part in your gums that holds it in place in your jaw, specifically in the periodontal ligament (connective tissue) in the tooth socket.
There are four layers made of different substances that make up your teeth.
- Enamel is the hard, smooth, and white protective layer that is on the outside of the teeth. In fact, it is the hardest substance in the human body. The enamel is important for protecting the teeth against bacteria that may cause cavities. It does not contain nerves or blood. It is important for maintaining the health of enamel because once chipped or decayed, enamel is not able to grow back.
- Dentin or dentine is the part that is protected by the enamel. It is located right under the enamel. If the enamel happens to expose the dentin of a tooth, it is at a much greater risk for getting a cavity.
- Cementum is the substance that covers the root of the tooth, helping anchor the tooth into the jaw alongside the periodontal tissues.
- Tooth pulp is the very middle part of the tooth that is considered the “living” part. This inner layer contains nerves and blood vessels along with some connective tissues.
Functions of the Teeth
The teeth help to tear and grind food into smaller pieces that can be swallowed and digested easily. Once this happens, the grinded food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach, where the digestive system extracts the needed nutrients from the food. The waste is removed through the excretory/urinary system.
Staying Healthy
The teeth are prone to many things such as cavities and misalignment if not taken care of and treated early on. These conditions may require fillings, crowns, braces, or more.
It is important to do your best at taking care of your teeth to minimize the risk of any conditions affecting them. This means brushing regularly at least twice a day for two minutes every time with fluoride toothpaste, along with flossing properly as well. Minimizing junk food and sugar consumed can also help minimize risks. Finally, drinking water (the best type is fluoridated water) can help protect against tooth decay as well.
Why is brushing and eating healthy important? This is because every day, a type of bacteria called (dental) plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth. This plaque produces harmful acids that decay your teeth, harming the enamel (the protective outer layer) and causing a cavity. Gum disease can also be caused when plaque builds up along the gum line. It is important to have regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure that if you do happen to get a tooth condition, you can get it treated as soon as possible.
Review
- Are the teeth considered bones? No
- What are the four pointy teeth called? Canines
- What type of teeth is responsible for 90% of chewing? Molars
- What is the hard outer layer of teeth called? Enamel
What is the innermost layer of the teeth called? Tooth Pulp
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The blog post and everything contained on it is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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