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What Are Teeth Made Of?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substances in the human body. Besides being essential for chewing, the teeth play an important role in speech.

The crown of each tooth projects into the mouth, while the root of each tooth descends below the gum line and into the jaw.

Baby Teeth

baby teethBaby teeth only last a few years, but they are important for many reasons. One very important reason to care for baby teeth as carefully as possible is that they help shape the mouth for the permanent, or adult, teeth that follow. Baby teeth help guide the permanent teeth into position. So, if baby teeth come out too early due to decay or poor gum care, your child’s permanent teeth are more likely to overlap or grow in the wrong direction.

It’s also worth knowing that the enamel on baby teeth is thinner than that on adult teeth, so extra care is absolutely necessary. It’s never too early to start establishing good brushing habits.

Parts of the teeth include:

  • Enamel –  The hardest, white outer part of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
  • Dentin –  A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.
  • Pulp –  The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.
  • Cementum –  A layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
  • Periodontal ligament –  Tissue that helps hold the teeth tightly against the jaw.

Adult Teeth

adult teethA normal adult mouth has 32 teeth, which (except for wisdom teeth) have erupted by about age 13:

  • Incisors (8 total) – The middlemost four teeth on the upper and lower jaws.
  • Canines (4 total) – The pointed teeth just outside the incisors.
  • Premolars (8 total) – Teeth between the canines and molars.
  • Molars (8 total) – Flat teeth in the rear of the mouth, best at grinding food.
  • Wisdom teeth or third molars (4 total) – These teeth erupt at around age 18, but are often surgically removed to prevent displacement of other teeth.

At Haslam Family Dental, your teeth are our priority. When you have dental question or concerns, we’re here to help.