Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their dental health, but the truth is that your grin is made up of several parts, and they all play a role in your overall oral condition. Each component serves a different function, and together, they make up your beautiful smile.
If you are unsure of what the different parts of your mouth are or the role they play, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are the Different Parts of My Mouth?
Below, we’ve outlined the main parts of your mouth and how they typically function so you can better understand your smile:
Gums
Your gums are the fleshy-toned connective tissues responsible for holding your teeth in place. It’s important to brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria. This helps prevent them from penetrating your gums, which can lead to disease. If left unchecked, it can result in receding gums that can eventually cause tooth loss.
Jawbone
This bony structure provides the framework that holds your teeth and gums together to shape your smile. It protects both you’re the crowns and roots of your pearly whites from potential decay.
Lips and Cheeks
The tender tissues inside your mandible are made up of strong muscles that help you smile, frown, speak, bite, and chew. They also help hold your teeth in place and protect them from external elements.
Teeth
Your teeth are made up of a tough outer layer of enamel that protects a softer layer of dentin beneath. Together, these shells protect the inner pulp and nerves inside that help you detect physical sensations, like changes in pressure or temperature. They can also transmit pain to let you know when there’s a potential problem.
Tongue
Your tongue is a dexterous muscle in your mouth that helps you hold and manipulate food so you can chew it thoroughly. You also press it against your teeth and the roof of your mouth to enunciate different sounds and words.
Not only that, but it contains between 2,000 and 10,000 tastebuds that help you detect the different flavors of all your favorite foods.
Salivary Glands
Most people have three main pairs of salivary glands responsible for secreting the fluid that helps protect your grin. Spit keeps your mouth moist to rinse away germs and debris, and has a nearly neutral pH balance to counter acid damage to your enamel. It also helps break down foods to begin the digestive process as you chew.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
These sliding-disc joints anchor your jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. When they’re healthy, they allow for a wide range of motion. It helps you open and close your mouth, move your jaw up and down, or slide it back and forth so you can eat, speak, and swallow successfully.
If you have additional questions about your dental health, your dentist can provide information that takes your unique circumstances into account!
Meet the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda has about 30 years of experience helping families in Henderson improve their lives by enhancing their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, and today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages. Whether you need routine preventive care or a more complex treatment, like dental implants, he has the expertise and state-of-the-art technology to help. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (702) 456-7403.