All About Teeth: Tooth Parts and Types of Teeth

If you recall your grade school science classes, chances are, you remember the parts of the different body systems. Or, well, anything that has to do with the body. You might’ve been asked to take a look at a cell under a microscope. Maybe you even created a cell out of clay to demonstrate all the parts. During exercises such as the latter, you probably learned that each part of the body and segment of each body system has its own functions. Well, so do your pearly whites. The parts of a tooth and their functions serve a vital role in your masticatory and digestive system. Learning about them, you can also understand more about dealing with nasty infections that may take their toll on the dental pulp. Due to this vitality, what are the parts of a tooth and their functions, you might ask? Let’s learn about the parts and types of teeth!

1. Enamel
   

   Officially the hardest substance in the body, your tooth enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. Because of this, it serves as the first line of defense against any invaders that might want to enter the pulp cavity. The enamel comprises a large percentage of minerals to do its job effectively. Of the various minerals that make up the enamel, phosphorus and calcium make up the most of it. Together, they form crystallites that are hard enough to withstand most substances. And while bones are made of 70% inorganic substances, the enamel is composed of 99% of these compounds. Typically, your enamel is as thick as a key. But thanks to its composition, it effectively protects your teeth from its environment. That is, until it decays. 

2. Cementum
   

   When listing down the parts of the teeth, the easiest way is to divide it into two: the crown and the roots. The crown is, essentially, the part that we can see. The roots, on the other hand, are located under the gums meet. What is cementum, then? Well, because the crown is the part that gets the most exposure, it needs a harder shell to protect it from environmental threats. That’s why enamel is so durable—because it must protect the crown. The cementum, on the other hand, is the layer of the tooth that covers the roots. It’s as hard as bone, which makes sense seeing as the roots anchor the tooth to the jawbone. When the cementum interacts with the jawbones, their fibers interlock to “cement” the tooth firmly in place. Underneath it, a cushion of the periodontal ligament prevents internal injuries whenever you bite.

3. Dentin
   

   Ever wondered why your teeth turn yellow the older you become? You might have your dentin to thank for that. This inner layer of the tooth is naturally yellow, so when the enamel wears out, it becomes a little more visible. The dentin also comprises most of the tooth, more than your enamel and cementum. What does it do, then? Well, it patches up any damage done via cavities. Unlike enamel, dentin can repair itself, which makes it able to do this. Aside from this, the dentin is also the layer of the tooth that transmits sensation, particularly temperature and pressure. 

4. Dental pulp
   

   The dental pulp is a network of tissue and blood vessels within the tooth’s inner cavity. It’s the part of the tooth whose function is to feel the sensations transmitted by the dentin. It also serves an essential role during the developing stages of the teeth. 

What are the Different Types of Teeth?

Now that you know the tooth parts, let’s learn about the types of pearly whites we have. Humans generally have four types of pearly whites.

• Premolars – These are also known as bicuspids. Premolars are used for tearing and crushing food. They have a flat top and help maintain the height of the face. There are a total of 8 premolars in an adult’s mouth: 4 on the bottom and 4 on the top.

• Canines – Otherwise known as cuspids, canines are shaped like cusps or points. Canines are used for grasping and tearing food. Additionally, they support the lips. They also help guide all the teeth in the right place, especially when the lower and upper jaw come together.

• Incisors – These are chisel-shaped. There are four 4 incisors at the top and 4 at the bottom. Incisors are used for cutting food. They additionally help us to pronounce the words we speak.

• Molars – The molars are used for chewing and grinding food. They come with many cusps on the biting surface. These are the flattest and widest teeth. There are a total of twelve molars: 6 in the lower jaw and another 6 in the upper jaw. The wisdom teeth are regarded as the 4 molars located at the back of the upper and lower jaws. The wisdom teeth are the last to emerge at the time of young adulthood. However, not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Upper molars come with 3 roots while lower molars come with 2 roots. Cleaning the wisdom teeth can be tiresome since they are far back in the mouth. Luckily, there are slim toothbrushes available, which are specifically designed for cleaning wisdom teeth.

Here Are Some Key Points to Take Note of:

• There are a total of 32 permanent teeth, which include four wisdom teeth.
• There are a total of 20 primary teeth.
• The first secondary teeth to emerge (generally at around age six) are the first four secondary molars behind the last primary teeth. Between seven and eight years, incisors emerge.
• The lower incisors are commonly the first teeth to emerge at around six months. By around two years, all 20 primary teeth are typically in the mouth.

Needless to say, it is very important to look after our pearly whites to keep them healthy and strong. We have to consider practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups. With a complete set of bright and healthy pearly whites, we can eat properly and speak well, and of course, maintain an attractive and confident smile. It counts to be responsible with our oral health. And, sometimes, it starts with learning about the tooth parts and the types of teeth. This knowledge can help us succeed in creating the perfect smile!