This month, millions of kids around the country are returning to school to learn everything they need to be productive adults. In that spirit, the team at American Dental would like to take this opportunity to educate ourselves. Our dentists and hygienists spend years learning about the structure and anatomy of teeth so they can provide the best dental care for you. Today, class is in session! We will tell you more about the anatomy and functions of your teeth.
The Different Types of Teeth
Most people will have 32 teeth by the time they reach adulthood, and they consist of 4 different types that have different functions:
- Incisors – These thin and sharp teeth, also known as the front teeth, are designed to cut into food, making it into more manageable bites. You have 8 incisors: a set of 4 upper and 4 lower.
- Canines – As the name would suggest, these are similar to the pointy fangs possessed by dogs. Your 4 canine teeth are designed to grip and tear fibrous foods like meat.
- Premolars – In between your canines and molars are a sort of hybrid teeth, also called the bicuspids. They’re good for gripping and tearing, and they can also grind food into smaller pieces so it will be easier to swallow.
- Molars – Your 12 molars do more of the chewing work than all of your other teeth combined. That’s why they are larger and flat, similar to the teeth of herbivorous animals like cows. The third set of molars is also known as the wisdom teeth, and many people have them removed due to complications.
The Structure of Each Tooth
Although you may think of them as bones, teeth are something else entirely. While they are made of calcium and other minerals – just like bones – they cannot heal and regenerate the way bones can. That’s why protecting your permanent teeth and taking good care of them is so important. They are the only set you will ever get!
Your teeth are composed of several layers of tissue. Starting from the inside, you have the root pulp. This tissue is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue that supply the tooth with blood so it can stay alive and fight bacteria. Surrounding the root pulp is a hard substance called cementum. This surrounds the root with a protective layer, and the cementum is also attached to the periodontal ligament, which anchors each tooth in the jaw.
Outside of the cementum is dentin, which is porous and gives each tooth its shape. Dentin is designed to be flexible and yielding, so your teeth won’t be brittle and prone to cracking easily. Outside the dentin is the enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. In fact, diamond is the only naturally occurring substance on earth that is harder. Enamel’s properties make it well suited to the task of chopping and grinding food, and its durability can allow it to last your entire lifetime with proper care.
Dental Care in Chicago, IL
Speaking of caring for your teeth, visiting the dentist regularly is a big part of it. You should see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and examination to remove tartar buildup and ensure nothing is wrong. American Dental would be happy to have you as a patient at one of our 8 locations in the Chicago area! Click the “Make an Appointment” button to find out which location is most convenient for you, and fill out the online form to request your appointment whenever you need a dentist in Palos Heights or anywhere else in Chicago.