According to my Upper West Side dentist, the anatomy of our teeth is a fascinating world all on its own, and understanding it might just change how we smile! I learned so much information from him. He is adamant about educating patients in a way we can understand as regular people without a dentistry degree. I wanted to pass the information on to everyone else because we all deserve a great smile. I know understanding anatomy can sometimes be complicated, but that stops today. In this blog, you’ll get an easy-to-understand breakdown of the tooth anatomy. This information can help you better care for your teeth and maintain a brighter, healthier smile for a lifetime.

The Anatomy of The Tooth

Are you ready for a little tooth-ucation? Get ready for the details you’ve been missing.

A tooth is divided into two parts: the crown and the root.

The crown is hard and durable. It is the main portion of your tooth sitting above the gumline and is visible when you open your mouth or smile. The crown plays a critical role in the tooth’s function, as it is durable and bears the brunt of the force when chewing food.

The crown is covered by a thin white surface called enamel. It is the hardest tissue in the human body, made from minerals like calcium and phosphate. Enamel protects the crown from decay and physical damage. Enamel can wear down over time due to sugary foods and drinks, acidic foods, plaque buildup, and improper oral hygiene.

The root helps the tooth maintain stability while biting and chewing. It is embedded into the jawbone and has a tip called the apex. Every tooth is connected to a root. The front teeth have one root while the back teeth each have two to four roots.

Surrounding the root is a tissue called Cementum, which helps the tooth attach to the periodontal ligament. It is softer than enamel and critical for maintaining the tooth’s position in the mouth.

Dentin is the secondary layer of the tooth underneath the enamel and Cementum.  It compromises the bulk of the tooth and contains nerve endings from the underlying tissue. Dentin becomes sensitive to cold and hot objects when exposed.

The periodontal ligament helps teeth absorb pressure while biting and chewing food. It acts as a shock absorber preventing damage to the tooth and surrounding area.

The root canal is located on the inner portion of the tooth crown. Inside the canal is the final layer of the tooth; a soft pulp tissue that contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. The root canal and pulp serve the primary purpose of nourishing the tooth.

The Tooth’s Surrounding Structures

The alveolar bone is part of the jawbone. It supports the teeth, houses the tooth sockets, and holds the tooth roots in place. The bone adapts itself to changes and can shrink over time.

Saliva is not part of the tooth, yet it plays a critical role in keeping it healthy. Salvia helps moisten the mouth, washing away food particles, and neutralizes acids that can contribute to tooth decay.

Tooth Anatomy FAQ

1. How many teeth are in our mouths? Adults have 32 teeth; 16 in their upper jaw and 16 in their lower jaw. Children have 20 teeth that eventually fall out so adult teeth can grow.
2. Where did the wisdom tooth get its name? Wisdom teeth appear when you’re older and wiser. The teeth often cause problems due to overcrowding or infections and must be extracted. Over five million people visit the dentist for wisdom tooth extraction every year. 
3. Why do teeth have roots? Roots anchor teeth into the jawbone, holding them in place. The roots are hidden beneath the gums but stabilize the teeth so they can handle pressure without falling out of your mouth. Think of it in the same way as roots that hold a tree into the ground and help it grow.
4. Why do cavities occur? Cavities are tiny holes that appear in a tooth when acids from plaque break down the enamel. Cavities can be painful and destroy a tooth if not treated. Help keep cavities away by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, visiting your dentist twice annually, and avoiding sugary foods. 
5. How do I protect tooth enamel? Enamel is hard but cannot regenerate. When it’s gone, it’s gone, and so is your beautiful smile. Protect tooth enamel by brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, visiting your dentist, and not grinding your teeth at night.
6. Is Dentin a yellow color? Dentin is yellow-toned, which explains why your teeth may show this color if the enamel begins to wear.
7. What are the four types of teeth? Adults have four types of teeth. Incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. There are 12 molars in an adult mouth -six each on the bottom and top jaw- four canines -two on top and two on the bottom- and eight incisors- four on the bottom and four on top and eight premolars sitting directly beside the canines.

If you need more tooth anatomy facts, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He’ll answer all your questions and give you the information necessary for a beautiful smile.

The Bottom Line

A tooth is part of a complex system designed to help you smile, speak clearly, and chew food. Each portion of the tooth plays an important role in achieving these goals. It is up to you to protect your teeth from the inside out. The information presented in this post, along with a visit to your dentist for an examination, can help protect your teeth and avoid costly dental care. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Until next time, here’s to your healthy smile.

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