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DO YOU KNOW<\/b> what the parts of the human tooth are? We\u2019d like to give you a quick tooth anatomy lesson, because the more patients know about their teeth, the better they will understand the importance of good dental health habits like brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary treats. We\u2019ll start in the crown and work our way down to the roots.<\/p>\nThe Three Layers of the Dental Crown<\/h3>\n
Everything visible of a tooth above the gums is the crown, and it consists of three layers. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each one.<\/p>\n
The outermost layer of the tooth is the enamel layer. Tooth enamel is mostly composed of inorganic hydroxyapatite crystals, which make it the hardest substance in the entire body<\/strong>. We need it to be that way so that we can chew a lifetime\u2019s worth of food!<\/p>\n However, because it\u2019s inorganic, enamel can\u2019t repair or replace itself if it is eroded or damaged too much<\/strong>. It\u2019s also extremely vulnerable to acid. That\u2019s why brushing, flossing, cutting back on acidic and sugary foods and drinks, and regular professional cleanings are so important!<\/p>\n The next layer of the crown is the dentin, which is very similar to bone. It\u2019s more yellowish than enamel and there\u2019s more of it in adult teeth than baby teeth (if you\u2019ve noticed that brand new adult teeth seem more yellow than baby teeth, that\u2019s why). Microscopic tubules run through the dentin so that the nerves in the center of the tooth can detect temperature changes. When the enamel erodes, these become exposed and cause tooth sensitivity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The core of the tooth is the pulp chamber, where the blood vessels and nerves are<\/strong>. The pulp is what makes a tooth alive and how we feel the temperature of our food. It\u2019s also how we feel pain when something\u2019s wrong with the tooth. Don\u2019t ignore tooth pain; it\u2019s the body\u2019s natural warning sign that it\u2019s time to see the dentist!<\/p>\n Underneath the gumline are the roots of our teeth, which are longer than the crowns and anchored in the jawbone. They are cushioned and held in place by the periodontal membrane<\/strong> between them and the bone. Roots don\u2019t have enamel to protect them; the gum tissue does that (as long as it\u2019s healthy) and they are coated in a calcified layer called cementum. At the tip of each root is a tiny hole through which blood vessels and nerves can reach the pulp chamber.<\/p>\nDentin<\/h3>\n
The Pulp Chamber<\/h3>\n
The Roots of the Teeth<\/h3>\n