Recently we discussed the different types of teeth, and the different functions they serve for your oral health. This time, we wanted to narrow the scope and look at the anatomy of individual teeth. You’ve heard of enamel, roots, crowns, and other parts of your teeth, but nonetheless, we wanted to spend some time describing the crucial functions that each part of your teeth serve.
At Spring Valley Dental Care, we not only strive to provide quality service and care to each of our patients, but we also believe that education plays a vital role in your oral health. That’s why in addition to our many dental services, we work to provide the educational material necessary to better understand the fundamentals about your teeth, mouth, and gums. If you’re interested in one of our dental services, call our Spring Valley, CA office today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about the different parts of the teeth.
Different Parts of the Teeth
- Enamel: The enamel is a highly mineralized outer shell that protects the teeth from outside dangers like bacteria and extreme temperatures. While the enamel is the strongest part of a tooth, it’s still vulnerable to damage and decay.
- Dentin: The dentin is the next layer below the enamel. This is also a mineralized tissue, but it’s not quite as strong as the enamel. When decay reaches the dentin, you’ll likely start to feel temperature sensitivity.
- Crown: The crown refers to the visible portion of each tooth above the gumline. You might be surprised to learn that the crown accounts for only one-third of each tooth. The crown comes in different shapes depending on its placement in the mouth.
- Root: The root is the two-thirds portion of each tooth hidden below the gumline. The root extends down to the jawbone, where it attaches to provide support for the tooth.
- Pulp: The pulp is the sensitive tissue inside of your teeth. It’s mostly made up of nerve tissue and blood vessels, which keeps your teeth healthy and alive.
- Gumline: The gumline is the area where your teeth and gums meet. Sound hygiene is crucial to this step, as bacteria and plaque can fester under the gumline and lead to early stages of gum disease (gingivitis).
Join Us at Spring Valley Dental Care!
If you’re in need of dental care in Spring Valley, then look no further than Spring Valley Dental Care! Call us today at 619-670-4471 to schedule a consultation today. You can also contact us here.