You see your teeth every time you look in the mirror and smile, but have you ever thought about what they’re made of and the functions of each one? Understanding your teeth is an important step to caring for them, so today the team at ZDental would like to share some information about the anatomy of your teeth!

The Types of Teeth

You have 4 different types of teeth in your mouth, and each type has a different function. They include:

  • Incisors: Also known as the “front teeth,” you have 4 upper and 4 lower incisors. These teeth are comparatively thin and have a sharp edge that is used to cut food into smaller pieces.
  • Canines: Like a dog’s teeth, canines are pointed and a bit longer than your other teeth. You have four canine teeth, two upper and two lower, and they are used to grip and tear off pieces of tough food like meat.
  • Bicuspids: These are a hybrid type of teeth, possessing features of both canines and molars. They are a bit pointy, allowing you to grip and tear food, and a bit flat so they can be used for grinding as well.
  • Molars: These teeth are similar to the type of flat teeth possessed by plant-eating animals, and you have more of them than any other tooth type. Most people are born with 12, but the 4 rearmost ones (known as the wisdom teeth) are often removed to prevent dental health issues like crowding. The molars are used to grind food into a fine paste so it can be more easily swallowed and digested.

The Structure of Your Teeth

Your teeth contain various structures and layers. The part that sticks out above the gums is known as the crown, while the root is what holds the tooth in your gums and supplies it with vital blood flow to keep it healthy.

The root is made of a material called tooth pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The root is surrounded by cementum, which protects the tooth pulp and helps to anchor the tooth in the jaw. The cementum is surrounded by dentin, a porous material that gives each tooth its shape. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of enamel, the hardest material in the human body. Enamel protects all the inner structures of the teeth and serves as a durable surface that can stand up to repeated chewing and grinding.

Although you may think of teeth as bones, they are actually quite different. For example, bones can regenerate when they are damaged, whereas teeth cannot. That’s why it’s so important to protect your teeth and keep them healthy; once your permanent teeth come in, they are the only set you will get for the rest of your life!

Caring for Your Teeth

If you want to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime, it is important that you maintain a robust oral health routine. That means brushing twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and using an ADA-approved mouthwash. You should also schedule a dental checkup every 6 months to get a thorough cleaning and ensure nothing is wrong. In addition, if you sustain any injuries to your mouth that cause cracks, fractures, or lost teeth, see an emergency dentist immediately to avoid losing the tooth permanently.

Emergency Dentistry in Philadelphia and New Jersey

If you need urgent dental care in the Philadelphia area, ZDental can help! We have 7 locations in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, so visit our contact page to find the clinic closest to you and call or request an appointment online right away!