Teeth and gums are critical to our quality of lives. When they’re healthy, they can help us chew our food and speak clearly. If we take care of them properly, they can even give us a beautiful smile.

But what happens if we don’t take care of them? Your University dentist believes that the best way patients can understand why it’s so important to care for teeth is to understand the anatomy of teeth and gums. This way, patients can see for themselves how every part of our smile is important to our oral and overall health.

The Anatomy of a Tooth—What Makes Up Your Teeth

The Crown

A tooth is made up of two major parts: the crown and the root. The crown of a tooth is the visual part of a tooth that everyone can see when you smile. It rests above the gum line and only makes up a third of your actual tooth.

Tooth Roots

A tooth root is what lies beneath the gum line. Tooth roots are imbedded in the gums and the jawbone. These are what surrounds the nerve endings, or the pulp, of your tooth. They also work to stimulate blood flow and keep your jawbone strong.

Tooth Enamel

The outermost layer of your teeth is the enamel of your tooth. It’s typically white and shiny until it becomes stained from substances that we eat and drink, causing it to dull to a yellow tint. Although it’s the hardest substance our body produces, it can still be worn down over time from wear and tear.

The Dentin Layer

The dentin layer of a tooth is naturally yellow. It’s a bony material that supports the tooth enamel and carries some of the nerve fibers of your tooth. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s because there are substances being exposed to the dentin layer of your teeth.

The Cementum Layer

Cementum is the tooth root’s surface layer. It’s a dynamic to your periodontal health or gum health. It attaches to both your jawbone and gums. When gingivitis strikes, this is the layer that can become inflamed.

The Dental Pulp

In the very center of your teeth resides your tooth pulp. This part of your tooth contains blood, nerves, and lymph vessels. This centralized, circulating blood flow is what keeps your teeth alive.

What happens when you don’t take care of your teeth and gums?

Gum disease is a real threat to patients oral and overall health. When dental debris and bacteria aren’t effectively removed, the plaque can settle along the gum line and on your teeth, hardening into tartar. This directly deteriorates the health of your teeth and gums.

When your gum health declines, you could face gum recession, tooth loss, and heightened chances of developing a serious disease like diabetes or having a stroke.

It doesn’t take much to take care of your teeth—simple brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist every six months. This way, every part of your tooth can stay strong and healthy for years to come.

Meet the Dentists

Parker Dental & Orthodontics believe in providing excellent dental care because we want each of our patients to be able to trust that we will completely care for their teeth from root to crown. Our dentists do this by practicing continuing education, prevention of disease, and by finally restoring smiles that truly need our help. If you would like to meet one of our friendly dentists, feel free to call (251) 304-9129.