Learning About Tooth Anatomy
Teeth are one of the strongest parts of your body. They are essential for
chewing and help you to speak and smile. Keep reading to learn more
about the different parts of teeth and the different types of teeth.
For anyone that likes a really good smile, it’s important to have a good
knowledge of tooth anatomy. The teeth are one of the strongest parts
of your body. They are essential for chewing and help you to speak and
smile. Keep reading to learn more about the different parts of teeth and
the different types of teeth.
Tooth anatomy: Types of Teeth
There are four types of teeth found in the
adult human mouth
Incisor
The incisors are the front four teeth located in both the top and bottom
jaws. The two middle incisors are called the ‘central’ incisors. The teeth
next to them are called the ‘lateral’ incisors.
Canine
There are four canine teeth in the mouth. One canine tooth is located in
each corner of the mouth. They are next to the lateral incisors. Canine
teeth are the sharpest teeth and are used for tearing food apart.
Premolar
The premolar teeth are located between the canine and molar teeth.
Most adults have eight premolar teeth. There is usually two present in
each corner of the mouth. Premolar teeth are used to tear and crush
food.
Molar
The large molar teeth are located at the back of the mouth. They are
used to chew foods. Most adults will have twelve molars in total but may
only have eight molar teeth present in their mouths. The third molar
teeth, which are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’, often do not fit in the
mouth or need to be removed. Children have incisors, canine, and
molar teeth. Only adults have premolar teeth.
The premolar teeth replace the
baby molar teeth and the adult
molar teeth develop behind
these. No baby teeth need to
fall out for the adult molar
teeth to appear in the mouth.
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Parts of the Teeth
Crown
The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums, inside
the mouth.
Root
The tooth roots are located below the gum and hold the teeth within the
jaw bone. Incisor and canine teeth have one root. Premolars can have
one or two roots while upper molar teeth generally have three roots
and lower molar teeth have two roots.
Enamel
Tooth enamel is the hard, white calcified tooth structure that makes up
the outside layer of the crown. It is the hardest substance in the human
body and protects the inside parts of the tooth. Tooth enamel cannot
repair itself when damaged. There are no nerves in the tooth enamel
and it cannot feel pain.
Dentine
This is the inside layer of the tooth that is protected by the hard enamel.
Dentine is made of tiny tubes with nerve fibres present which gives the
dentine feeling. It is yellowish in colour.
Cementum
The hard tissue layer covering the surface of the tooth roots. This outer
layer is not as strong as enamel.
Dental Pulp
The soft tissue in the centre of the tooth that contains nerves and blood
vessels. It runs down the centre of the tooth root/s connecting to the
blood and nerve supply in the surrounding jaw bone.
Periodontal Ligament
Soft tissue fibres surround the tooth root connecting the tooth to the
surrounding jaw bone.
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