Human beings typically have a total of 32 teeth either fully erupted or mostly erupted with a few (wisdom teeth) developing under the gum tissue by approximately 12 years old. Each tooth is made up of two parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the part of the tooth above the gum line that everyone can see. The root, which is actually the larger and longer part of the tooth, is below the gum line. When we think of caring for our teeth, we need to think of the whole tooth and not just the part that you can see.
There are four different tissues that make up your tooth. They are the enamel, dentin, the pulp, and cementum. The enamel is considered the hardest substance in your body. It is the hard shell that surrounds and protects the tooth. It is the white that you see when you look in your mouth. The dentin is also a hard substance (though not as hard as enamel), which is found under the enamel. The dentin surrounds the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the most vital part of the tooth. It is made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. The pulp starts in the crown of the tooth and branches down into and through the root of the tooth, exiting at a small hole at the tip of the root. The cementum is a thin layer of bonelike material covering the roots.
The best ways to care for all parts of your teeth are to remember to brush, floss, and rinse with a bacteria reducing or fluoride containing mouthwash, eat right, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.
Our optimal guidelines for oral care include the following:
- Brush at least twice a day and 30 minutes after eating if at all possible
- Floss your teeth at least once a day
- Rinse with an antiseptic or fluoride rich mouthwash before bed
- Limit or avoid sugary foods and beverages, which can lead to tooth decay
- Drink lots of water
- See your dentist at least every six months
Image Courtesy of ADA’s MouthHealthy.org
Let us know if you have any questions about the health of you or your child’s teeth.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
