26 Jan The Anatomy of a Tooth
The anatomy of our teeth is unique. Some might think that teeth are like our bones. This is a natural assumption since your dentist takes X-rays of your teeth the same way that your physician may use X-rays to diagnose broken bones. While teeth are made of mineralized hard tissue, they are actually quite different from other hard tissues in the body.
Our teeth are comprised of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.
Tooth Enamel
This outer layer of teeth is a hard coating that keeps its softer interior layers protected from cavity-causing bacteria and acid. Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. It is comprised of minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Protecting your tooth enamel is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. Once tooth enamel is lost, it cannot regenerate. Two of the biggest threats to your tooth enamel are oral bacteria and acidic foods and drinks.
When oral bacteria form colonies of plaque, they release acid as a by-product that softens tooth enamel. If a person isn’t performing proper oral hygiene to remove plaque, his or her tooth enamel can be permanently damaged over time. Acids found in foods like citrus, tomatoes, and vinegars also weaken teeth. This is why performing proper oral hygiene to remove plaque is so important.
Dentin
Dentin lies underneath the enamel coating of teeth. It is comprised of minerals but its composition is much softer than tooth enamel. Dentin also has many microscopic tubules that lead to the innermost layer of teeth: the pulp.
Since dentin is soft, bacteria can eat through its structure with ease. If you suffer with sensitive teeth, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your dentist as it could be a sign of permanent enamel damage.
Pulp
This innermost layer houses blood vessels and nerve endings. If bacteria reach this part of the tooth, it can develop painful infections that typically require endodontic care (root canal therapy) to treat.
Caring for your teeth involves practicing thorough oral hygiene and keeping routine appointments with your dentist. Call Aesthetic Dental Partners today to schedule a checkup or cleaning.