Your teeth are crucial for your overall well-being and health. They are small and often overlooked; however, in this insights article, we will share our firsthand knowledge and experience, illustrating their importance. We will examine their structure, the different roles they serve, and how they influence your life. We hope that after reading this article, you will better appreciate the essential role they play in your life and take even greater care of them.
Anatomy Of A Tooth
Our teeth are often undervalued and underappreciated; they are marvels of creation, designed for specific functions. When looked after properly, they last a lifetime and can look great. Below, we have outlined the main components that make up our teeth.
- Enamel: One of the strongest materials in our bodies is the outer layer of a tooth, called the enamel. The enamel acts as a barrier, protecting the inner tooth from damage and bacterial infection. It is mainly composed of hydroxyapatite, which gives it its strength. A drawback of enamel is that it is not regenerative; once damaged, it cannot repair itself and may require fillings. Enamel is naturally white and can be up to 2.5mm thick.
- Dentin: The dentin, located beneath the enamel, comprises most of the tooth, usually about 60-70%. Dentin is still strong, but it is softer than the enamel. It has a yellowish colour, and unlike enamel, dentin is a living tissue that helps protect the pulp. It can also send pain signals to the tooth's nerve.
- Pulp: The pulp is located in the centre of the tooth and is soft, enabling the tooth's sensation. It consists of living cells and is susceptible to infection from bacteria or damage. Typically, it accounts for 5-10% of the tooth. One of the main functions of the pulp is to produce dentin.
- Cementum: The role of the cementum is to anchor the tooth to the bone, and it is a mineralised tissue that is not as hard as enamel. It helps protect the roots and is a living tissue that is usually only 1-2mm thick. It makes up just 1-2% of the tooth's volume and is crucial for maintaining tooth stability.
- The periodontal ligament is not actually part of the tooth, but it plays a crucial role in supporting and cushioning the teeth. It also helps supply nutrients to the tooth and mainly consists of collagen.
- Root: The root, surprisingly for some, makes up 40-60% of a tooth’s volume (this varies depending on the tooth type, with molars having bigger roots than incisors). Without roots, teeth would not be stable and would not get the blood and nutrients they need to work properly.
Different Human Teeth And Function
Humans typically have 32 teeth, while children have 20 teeth. These teeth come in various shapes and sizes, with some unique to humans and others common across many animal species. There are four main types of teeth, which play a crucial role in our digestion and communication.
Incisors
- Number: 8 in total, 4 upper and lower.
- Facts: Chisel-shaped with sharp ends, they have single roots, and the central incisors are usually the largest.
- Usage: Slicing and cutting foods.
- Uniqueness: Very common in mammals.
Canines
- Number: 4 in total, 2 upper and lower.
- Facts: They are pointed and have the longest root of all teeth types.
- Usage: For foods such as meat and fibrous vegetables, ripping food apart.
- Uniqueness: Common in carnivores; however, humans' canines are much smaller when compared to those of most animals, such as wolves.
Premolars
- Number: 8 in total, 4 upper and lower.
- Facts: Also known as bicuspids, they can have one or two roots with cusps on the surface.
- Usage: Grinding of food.
- Uniqueness: Children do not have them, nor do some mammals, such as rats.
Molars
- Number: 12 in total, 6 upper and lower.
- Facts: Larger than premolars, and the wisdom teeth may never ‘erupt’.
- Usage: Grinding with a larger surface area for effectiveness.
- Uniqueness: Wisdom teeth are a relic of our past, for a time when our jaws were larger. Elephants have molars that can replace each other throughout their life.
FAQS On Human Teeth
Why do Wisdom Teeth become problematic?
Usually, wisdom teeth start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back of the mouth, issues often develop due to a lack of space. Symptoms and problems related to wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth, discomfort while eating, and bad breath. Not everyone with problematic wisdom teeth needs to have them removed.
Why Do ‘Baby’ Teeth Fall Out?
Baby teeth usually start to emerge between the ages of 6 and 12 months; however, their role in jaw development and oral health is essential. Baby teeth begin to fall out as the jaw grows with age, and the ‘adult’ or permanent teeth start to push them out, loosening their roots and dissolving them. An adult jaw requires teeth that are larger and far more durable and stronger, as they need to last a lifetime.
Are human teeth the same as primates?
Primates and humans share similarities in their teeth; however, there are some differences as well. Interestingly, both have 32 teeth, with the same structure and arrangement. Some key differences include that human teeth are smaller, molars are flatter, and wisdom teeth are not vestigial in primates.
Why Do Some People Need Braces?
Braces are a common sight and play a vital role in correcting dental and jaw alignment problems. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) states that about 200,000 people in the UK receive braces such as Invisalign each year. There are many reasons why braces are needed, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth.
- Over and underbites.
- Spacing issues between teeth.
- Misaligned jaws.
- Aesthetic appearance to help boost confidence.
- Preventative measures.
Summary
At Kew Road Dental, we recognise the important role that teeth play and the need to properly care for and maintain them. Contact our friendly team for any further dental-related information or to make an appointment.