Your teeth play a crucial part in the eating and communication processes, but many people may not appreciate how marvelously they are constructed. Your pearly whites are complicated structures made from several distinct parts, and it’s important to keep them all healthy to prevent oral infections and tooth loss. Here’s a quick look at the different layers of teeth and why they are important to your oral health.
The Layers of the Tooth
Teeth are constructed from three layers of specialized tissue, those being:
- The enamel: This material forms the outermost layer of the tooth and is the hardest substance that occurs naturally in the human body, and it gives the tooth the strength and durability it needs to chew food and last for life.
- The dentin: This spongy yellowish layer of tissue lies just beneath the enamel and helps provide sensory information to the nerves.
- The pulp: This is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerve endings. It provides the developing teeth with nutrients so they can gain strength and structure.
The Tissue Supporting the Tooth
Teeth are positioned in sockets that are constructed of tissues like:
- The gums: These soft tissues support the teeth and allow them to move small distances during the chewing process, which helps prevent injury.
- Cementum: This material connects the tooth to the periodontal ligament.
- The periodontal ligament: This collagenous connective tissue attaches the root of the tooth to the jawbone.
- The jawbone: This structure hosts all the teeth on a dental arch and uses them to facilitate speech or pulverize food into a pulp that is easy to swallow.
How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy?
The best ways to keep all the parts of your teeth in great shape are to:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings.
- Eat a balanced diet that limits your intake of sugar and acid.
- Protect your smile from injury by wearing protective devices such as nightguards when necessary.
- Abstain from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Refrain from teeth grinding, gnawing on ice or inedible materials, and using your smile to open bottles and packages.
Don’t let poor oral habits wreck your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you keep your grin in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda earned his dental degree at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry where he received the Larry E. Sorum Memorial Award for Excellence. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and holds a Mastership in the College of Sedation Dentistry. His office in Henderson offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you wish to schedule a checkup, contact his practice online or dial (702) 456-7403.