When we talk about dental health, teeth are the first thing that comes to mind. They are the most essential structure of our mouth. Maintaining healthy teeth is the primary part of oral hygiene, and in order to achieve this, you should know what teeth are made of along with ways to protect them.
Our mouth has many roles to play, be it eating, talking, or merely smiling. Your teeth and tongue are two parts of the mouth that mostly indulge in eating. Unlike tongue, teeth undergo wear and tear, so they need extra attention. Let’s break this blog down; first, let’s discuss what are teeth really made of, and then we will look at the importance of their well-being.
What Are Teeth Made Up Of?
There is a common misconception that teeth are bones; however, this statement is incorrect. Human teeth are sturdy structures, just like bones, but they have different constituents, which are stated below.
Layer 1 – Enamel
Enamel is the top-most protective covering which has the duty to safeguard the layers beneath it. The white part visible above the gum is the crown. It suffers from the wrath of everyday wear and tears. Consuming an unhealthy diet with excess sugars and not cleaning your mouth afterward is the main reason bacteria grow, react with sugars, and form cavities.
Layer 2 – Dentin
Dentin is right underneath the enamel. It is a yellow substance, pretty hard surrounding the pulp. It is a strong structure that is hard as bones yet not classified as one. Dentin makes up most of the tooth and gives it a yellowish tint. It has tubes running through it to the pulp. This is the main reason why hot and cold sensations are felt if a person has cavities on their tooth.
The pit or cavity runs from the enamel to deeper layers resulting in discomfort on triggers. Acidic and sugary foods contribute the most when it comes to cavity buildup.
Layer 3 – Cementum
The cementum is the 3rd layer that makes up your teeth present around the roots. Its primary function is attaching or fixing the tooth with the surrounding bone.
Layer 4 – Pulp
Finally, we have the pulp – the innermost sensitive part of the teeth. It has a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves to maintain tooth vitality.
How To Take Care Of Your Teeth?
Maintaining teeth is quite simple; follow these guidelines for adequate oral health:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice daily (morning and evening) or after every meal.
- Fluoride is a beneficial mineral for the first layer, so use toothpaste that has it as a constituent.
- Fluoride mouthwash after meals and not after cleaning your teeth.
- Keep up with your dental appointments since they can help detect any issue very early that you won’t be open to spot yourself.
- Regular deep dental cleaning by a professional keeps tartar from forming on your teeth.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid oral troubles is to brush and floss daily, which helps prevent cavities and consequent tooth decay. In case you have any further dental queries, contact us at Precision Smile Dentistry. We will be more than happy to help.