There are many interesting, fun facts about your teeth that you may not know. Did you know that your teeth are the hardest substance in your body? Did you know that your smile is as unique as your fingerprint? Did you know that on average you will spend over two months of your life brushing your teeth? Let’s learn a little more about the anatomy of your teeth…
Your teeth are made up of:
Enamel: the hardest part of the tooth; the white outermost part of the tooth. Enamel is made up of calcium phosphate, which is a rock-hard mineral.
Dentin: directly underneath the enamel; hard tissue that contains microscopic tubes. When the enamel is damaged, heat or cold can enter the tooth through the microscopic tubes of the dentin and cause sensitivity and pain.
Pulp: directly underneath the dentin: the softer, living inner structure of the tooth that contain blood vessels and nerves.
Cementum: the connective tissue that firmly binds the roots of the tooth to the gums and jawbone.
Periodontal ligament: the tissue that helps hold the teeth tightly against the jaw.
The different types of teeth in your mouth:
Incisors (4 upper, 4 lower): The front teeth on the upper and lower jaw.
Canines (2 upper, 2 lower): The pointed teeth positioned just outside your incisors.
Premolars: (4 upper, 4 lower): The teeth between the canines and molars.
Molars (4 upper, 4 lower): The flat teeth in the rear of the mouth.
Wisdom teeth or third molars (typically 2 upper & 2 lower): The teeth positioned behind the molars; typically erupt by age 18 but are often surgically removed to prevent any crowding or displacement issues with other teeth.
Each of your teeth have a crown, which is the part of the tooth that shows above the gum line – it’s the part of the tooth that is visible when you smile. Each tooth also has a root, which lies below the gum line and is not visible.
Now you know all about the anatomy of your teeth! Be sure to take care of your teeth by brushing at least twice a day.