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Although everyone is just a little older than their teeth, only a few think about what makes up each tooth or what it looks like inside. The best dentist in Bridgeport is here to pull back the curtain and reveal what’s going on inside your pearly whites and why keeping them clean and healthy with regular preventative dental care is vital to your overall health and well-being.

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

Crown

The crown is the only part of the tooth you can see because it sits on top of the gums. Since it’s the only visible part of a tooth, the crown helps you chew food, pronounce words, support your lips, and flash your best smile. It’s worth noting that different teeth have different crown shapes.  

Moreover, the shape of a tooth’s crown determines its function. For instance, sharp and chisel-shaped front teeth are used for cutting food, and molars with flat surfaces are used for grinding. The four pointy teeth on either side of your mouth are the canines that help you bite into an apple or pierce a piece of steak.  

Enamel

The enamel is the outermost layer of a crown. This white calcified tooth structure is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in your body that protects the fragile parts of each tooth against acid and plaque. In addition, the enamel insulates your teeth from hot and cold foods and beverages.

However, the enamel can’t protect and repair itself when damaged because it has no living cells. Without a solid hygiene routine, the enamel accumulates plaque and tartar until the tooth decays or develops cavities.

Gumline

Since your gumline is at the base of the crown, it’s where your teeth meet your gums. Furthermore, it covers the parts of your teeth that keep each tooth alive and healthy. Keeping your gumline clean through allows you to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.  

Dentin

Dentin refers to the yellowish sensitive layer of living tissue underneath the enamel. It consists of millions of tiny tubules with nerve fibers leading directly to the dental pulp. Since dentin makes up most of a tooth’s structure, dentin exposure due to gum recession will stimulate the nerves and leave you with sensitive teeth.

Dental Pulp

The dental pulp is the soft tissue located in the center of a tooth. It branches out and continues down to the roots through the root canals. Since it houses the tooth’s connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, it forms dentin, nourishes the tooth, and prevents it from becoming brittle.

Cementum

The cementum is the hard tissue layer that covers the tooth roots’ surfaces and binds them firmly to your gums and jawbone. For this reason, it plays a significant role in preventing premature tooth loss.

Root

The root that holds the tooth in place extends into your mouth’s jawbone, making up two-thirds of the tooth. Since the root is embedded in bone, it enables your teeth to withstand chewing and biting forces. Each time you bite or chew, the root stimulates your jawbone. The stimulation sends signals to your body that your jawbone needs nutrients to stay healthy and strong.  

Looking for the Best Dentist in Bridgeport?

At Brooklawn Dental Associates, we’re here to help you achieve your best smile yet. If you’re ready to experience high-quality dentistry in a safe and comfortable environment, contact us now to make an appointment.