The Anatomy of Teeth

The teeth are the hardest elements in the human body. Other than being fundamental for biting, the teeth assume an important role in speech. Have you ever wondered what makes up the teeth inside your mouth? How many types of teeth does a human mouth include? Let’s find out. 

Pulp

The center part of the tooth, which is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and cells.

Cementum

A sheet of hard tissue that covers the outside of the tooth root and ties the foundations of the teeth immovably to the jawbone and gums.

Periodontal Tendon

The tissue that helps hold the teeth firmly against the jaw.

Enamel

The hardest external piece of the tooth, which is white. It is mostly made up of calcium phosphate, a stone-hard mineral.

Dentin

A layer of porous, bone-like material that lies just beneath the enamel of the tooth. When this layer of the tooth is exposed, the tooth will be more sensitive to hot and cold and more susceptible to decay, causing pain.

Types of Teeth

The crown of every tooth projects into the mouth. The foundation of every tooth slides beneath the gum line into the jaw. An ordinary adult mouth has 32 teeth, including the wisdom teeth, which typically do not erupt until between the ages of 17 and 21:

• Incisors (8 total): The teeth in the middle; four teeth on the upper and lower jaws.

• Canines (4 total): The sharp, pointed teeth next to the incisors.

• Premolars (8 total): Teeth between the molars and canines.

• Molars (8 total): Flat teeth in the back of the mouth, best at chewing food.

• Wisdom teeth (4 total): These teeth erupt at around age 18 yet are frequently extracted to avoid the misalignment of other teeth.

For more information regarding the anatomy of teeth, please get in touch with Dr. Ben Kwok and visit Little Smiles of Delaware.