What are human teeth made of?
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Time to read 4 min
Teeth are hard, mineralized structures that play a vital role in digestion. They are responsible for breaking down food into smaller pieces, facilitating proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Teeth look like bones and are actually ectodermal organs. Most humans have 32 teeth, although some have more and some have fewer.
What are the four types of teeth?
Teeth play a crucial role in the process of mastication and maintaining proper oral health. There are four types of teeth, each serving a specific function. These include:
- Incisors: The incisors are located at the front of the mouth and are responsible for biting into food. They have a thin, sharp edge, which aids in cutting through food. Humans typically have eight incisors, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
- Canines: The canines, also known as cuspids, are situated on each side of the incisors. They have a more pointed shape, resembling that of fangs. Canines are designed for tearing and grasping food. There are four canines in total, with two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.
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- Premolars: Positioned next to the canines, premolars are characterized by a flat surface with ridges called cusps. They aid in grinding food into smaller pieces, preparing it for digestion. Adults typically have eight premolars, two on each side in both the upper and lower jaws.
- Molars: The molars are located at the back of the mouth and are the largest and strongest teeth. They have several cusps on their surface, enabling efficient chewing of food. Adults have a total of twelve molars, including four third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth may erupt in the late teens or early twenties.
Discover More: What Are The Shapes And Functions Of Teeth?
What are the layers of teeth?
A tooth consists of three main layers, namely the enamel, dentin, and pulp.
- Enamel: The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth. This is one of the protective layers of teeth that covers and protects teeth. It forms a protective coating over the crown of the tooth and is composed primarily of hydroxyapatite
- Dentin: The dentin layer of the teeth is the middle layer of the tooth. It consists of a network of tiny tubules that house the odontoblasts, specialized cells responsible for dentin formation. Dentin provides support to the enamel and protects the innermost layer of the tooth.
- Innermost: The innermost layer of the tooth is the pulp, which is located within the pulp chamberand extends down into the root canals. This is a soft, connective tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other cells. It nourishes the tooth during development and provides sensory innervation, allowing us to perceive sensations such as temperature and pain.
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Why are teeth not considered bones?
Teeth and bones are hard, but we cannot consider teeth as bones. Teeth are very different from bones.
Teeth are composed of calcium and phosphorus, as well as other minerals. While bones contain calcium, phosphorus, salt, and other minerals, most of them are made up of the protein collagen, a living and growing tissue that gives bones a flexible framework that can withstand pressure.
Discover More: What Are Teeth Made Out Of | TEETH VS BONE
How to protect teeth
It is essential to protect your teeth as they don't have the ability to regenerate. A great oral hygiene routine can keep your teeth in good condition.
It is essential to prevent the bacteria from causing cavities. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day or once a day. You should consider our oral health system to fix your teeth problems before they cause other problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?
Effective bad breath remedies include:
Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue
Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing
Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal
The ongoing use of oral probiotics.
How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath
One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”
Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.
How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?
- First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
- Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
- Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
- Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
- Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.
How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?
- First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
- Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
- Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
- Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
- Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss
Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.Â
