Did you know that, in your lifetime, you will spend around 38 days just brushing your teeth? There’s a reason that we dedicate so much time to taking care of our pearly whites. They are a critical part of our digestive process— without them, we would have a challenging time getting the nutrients we need to survive. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they also give us a winning smile. Yet, even though we spend so much time taking care of our teeth, many people don’t know much about them! That’s why we’ve decided to give you a nice breakdown of what exactly comprises your tooth. Here are the different parts of your tooth and why they’re important!
Crown
When you picture a tooth, you are most likely thinking of the crown. This is the white part of the tooth that you can see when you smile. The crown of your tooth is covered by white dental enamel—a protective layer made up of strong minerals like calcium phosphate that make it the strongest, hardest substance in the human body. That said, this is also the substance that can be susceptible to decay if you’re not careful! That’s why it is so important to maintain a solid dental hygiene routine to protect your enamel from harmful decay.
Dentin
The dentin layer is less commonly known than the dental enamel, but that doesn’t make it any less important! Dentin is the layer beneath the white dental enamel, and it is comprised of thousands of tiny, microscopic tubules. These tubules serve as pathways that can relay signals from the tooth’s outer enamel to the pulp. Therefore, when the enamel is worn down due to decay, the dentin layer is exposed and causes sensitivity to heat and cold.
Root
There is a reason your teeth are so firmly held into place—the root! Like an iceberg, two-thirds of your tooth is hidden beneath the surface in the form of the root. The root is embedded in the jawbone and anchors your tooth in place. The root is what allows you to bite and chew without your tooth wiggling! And while a healthy root is often firmly grounded in place, certain illnesses can weaken its hold—particularly periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease starts as an infection and eventually invades your gum tissue and jaw bone. Without these to hold your root in place, your tooth can become loose. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to take good care of your teeth and gums with a solid oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist.
Pulp
The pulp of your tooth holds all of the nerve tissue and blood vessels—this is the center of what helps your teeth to feel! This soft tissue is hidden deep in the center of your tooth and is protected by the dentin and enamel layers. However, if you suffer from severe tooth decay that reaches the pulp, you may need a root canal to remove the infected pulp and salvage the tooth.
To make sure you’re taking good care of every part of your teeth, call TruBlu Dentistry today to set up your routine dentist appointment!