What causes teeth to yellow? What are teeth made of? How many teeth do we typically have? Here’s everything you need to know about tooth anatomy.
Each part of a tooth, from its sturdy crown to its resilient roots nestled in the jawbone, plays a vital role in keeping our smiles strong and functional. Understanding tooth anatomy can help us take better care of our teeth daily, ensuring we brush and floss effectively and recognize any signs of trouble early on.
Having some knowledge of tooth anatomy basics can also help you feel more confident in your understanding of why certain treatments may be recommended by our dental team. At Nanaimo Smiles, our goal is to create a safe and comfortable place for you to ask all your oral health questions and allow you to be an active participant in your dental care. From registered dental hygienists to dentists, our team takes the time to explain exactly what we’re going to do and why we’re going to do it. We believe our patients deserve to understand the procedures they receive, before they receive them. If you have any questions, our team is always available.
When do permanent teeth start to come in?
Permanent teeth usually begin to emerge between the ages of 6 and 12. By around age 12, most children will have a full set of permanent teeth, except for the wisdom teeth. Teeth often erupt in pairs, so the left and right counterparts generally appear around the same time.
How Many Teeth Do We Have, and What Are Their Types and Functions?
Adults typically have 32 teeth, including four incisors, two canines (cuspids), four premolars (bicuspids), and four molars, along with two wisdom teeth (third molars) in each jaw. If the wisdom teeth are removed, there will be 28 teeth.
- Incisors: The four front teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. They have a chisel-shaped edge used for cutting, tearing, and holding food.
- Canines (Cuspids): Located next to the incisors, these pointed teeth are for holding and tearing food.
- Premolars (Bicuspids): Situated behind the canines, premolars have two cusps and are used for holding and crushing food.
- Molars: Found at the back of the mouth, molars have four or five cusps used for crushing and grinding food.
- Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars): These typically emerge from age 18 onwards but are often removed due to lack of space or alignment issues.
How Many Roots Does Each Tooth Have?
The number of roots varies by tooth type:
- Incisors and Canines: Usually have one root.
- Premolars: Usually one or two roots.
- Molars: Usually two or three roots.
Fun Fact: Did you know that one root can have more than one nerve?! Every tooth has a unique anatomy!
What are teeth made of?
Crown
The crown of a tooth is the part that is visible above the gum line and is covered by enamel. It serves as the functional surface of the tooth, enduring the forces generated during chewing and grinding food. In addition to its protective role in shielding the underlying dentin and pulp from damage and potential infection, the crown is designed to withstand the pressure and wear associated with daily eating and biting activities. By providing a durable outer layer, the crown helps maintain the integrity of the tooth structure and preserves the health of its sensitive inner layers.
Root
The root of your tooth serves as its anchor, firmly securing it into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Composed of cementum, a resilient connective tissue layer covering the root surface, and supported by the periodontal ligament, it ensures the tooth’s stability within the bone structure. Inside the root lies the root canal, housing the tooth’s vital pulp—a network of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This intricate structure not only stabilizes your tooth during chewing but also houses the pulp, which provides nourishment and senses stimuli like temperature and pain, giving protective feedback and ensuring your comfort and dental health.
Enamel
Enamel, the hard outer layer of your tooth’s crown, is remarkably durable, primarily made of minerals like hydroxyapatite structured as enamel rods composed mostly of calcium and phosphate, but strengthened when fluoride is incorporated into its structure. It acts as a protective shield against acids, bacteria, and the wear and tear of daily chewing. Maintaining the tooth’s shape and structure, enamel is crucial for effective chewing, clear speech, and preserving your confident smile.
Fun Fact: Enamel does not have any nerve or blood supply once it is formed, and currently cannot be regenerated – making it a very precious resource in your body!
Dentin
Dentin forms the bulk of your tooth structure, lying beneath the enamel in the crown and cementum in the root. This dense tissue contains microscopic tubules filled with fluid, providing support and protection for the tooth’s sensitive pulp. Dentin’s unique composition allows it to transmit sensations such as temperature and pain to the pulp, ensuring your tooth responds appropriately to stimuli while maintaining its strength and integrity.
Pulp
At the core of your tooth, beneath the dentin layer, is the pulp—a soft, living tissue comprising blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Responsible for supplying nutrients and moisture to the tooth, the pulp preserves its vitality and structural integrity. Sensing temperature and pain, the pulp enables your tooth to react to its environment effectively and plays a critical role in the development of tooth hard tissues, contributing to lifelong dental health.
Cementum
Cementum is a specialized calcified substance that covers the root surface of your tooth. Though softer than enamel and dentin, it is tougher than bone and has a light yellow hue. Cementum attaches firmly to the periodontal ligament, which connects your tooth securely to the jawbone. Its primary role is to anchor your tooth within the jawbone through the ligament fibers, absorbing the pressures of chewing and biting. Additionally, cementum seals and protects the sensitive root dentin, ensuring the long-term stability and health of your tooth.
Periodontal Ligament
Surrounding the root of your tooth is the periodontal ligament (PDL)—a specialized connective tissue composed of collagen fibers embedded in a gel-like substance. Think of it as a “shock absorber” that allows small movements to be possible under pressure. This ligament contains blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth and provide sensory feedback. Its primary role is to support and stabilize the tooth within its socket, cushioning against the forces of chewing and allowing for slight tooth movement to maintain alignment and prevent excessive wear. The PDL also plays a critical role in proprioception, providing sensory information to your brain about the tooth’s position and movement, contributing to your overall comfort and oral health.
How can I take care of my tooth anatomy?
Taking care of each part of your tooth’s anatomy ensures not only a healthy smile but also your overall dental comfort and well-being. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and protects against decay, keeping your smile bright and strong. For those sensitive to hot or cold foods due to exposed dentin, call us today to learn more about solutions like desensitizing toothpaste that block the tubules and provide relief. With regards to the root, which is covered by cementum, gentle brushing along the gum line prevents decay and maintains gum health. And don’t forget to floss as this keeps away infection and inflammation which can affect the health of your oral tissues!
Regular dental check-ups allow our Nanaimo dental clinic to monitor the periodontal ligament’s health, ensuring your teeth stay firmly anchored. If sensitivity persists, treatments like fluoride and dental sealants can strengthen enamel, ensuring you enjoy eating and drinking without discomfort. By understanding and caring for each part of your tooth’s anatomy—crown, dentin, pulp, cementum, and periodontal ligament—our Nanaimo dentists can help you keep your smile healthy, strong and radiant for decades to come.
Tooth Anatomy — Your Nanaimo Dentists
Understanding tooth anatomy is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. It empowers you to care for your teeth effectively through daily oral hygiene practices, recognize early signs of issues, and receive precise dental care when needed. This knowledge ensures your teeth stay strong, pain-free, and aesthetically pleasing, promoting long-term dental health and confidence in your smile. If you have questions about any part of your tooth anatomy, call us today at our Nanaimo dental office.