Teeth

Teeth are found in the mouth and are used for eating food and talking. Teeth are the color white due to the outer enamel coating on the crown. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth at the front and back.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth If the enamel has defects, the tooth can have an appearance of yellow, brown, grey, or black.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration

The average human has thirty-two teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, molars, and wisdom teeth. Eight incisors are found at the front of the mouth in the center of the jaw line, four on the top and four on the bottom. Four canines are found beside the incisors on the sides, two on the top and bottom. A way to distinguish canine teeth from the incisors is that canines have a point on the top. Eight premolars are found beside the canine teeth, two on each side of the jaw line. Eight molars are found beside the premolars, two on each side in the back of the jaw line. Four wisdom teeth are found in the four corners of the jaw line.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth Wisdom teeth are often removed because of overcrowding of the other teeth, causing them to be moved out of place.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/wisdom-teeth

Teeth are made of enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, and periodontal ligament. Enamel is the outer coating of the tooth. It is made of the mineral calcium phosphate, which protects the inner tooth. Enamel does not have any live cells, and when it becomes damaged, the problem is permanent. Dentin is a soft substance inside of the tooth under the enamel. It contains living cells that produces minerals. The pulp is the softest material of the tooth found in the center under the dentin. It carries blood vessels and nerve endings throughout the tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged, the tooth will lose blood supply and die. Cementum is connective tissue under the gum line that lines outside of the tooth, and keeps the tooth in place. Periodontal ligament is tissue that keeps the tooth in place in the jawbone.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth

If teeth are not taken care of, tooth decay can happen. Bacteria found in plaque on the teeth will deteriorate the enamel. This will cause cavities, infected teeth, and toothaches. To fix the damage of tooth decay such as a cavity, a dentist will cover it with a filling. If the problem is more severe, a root canal may have to be performed, the crown may be replaced, or the tooth may be removed. Ways to prevent tooth decay is by brushing teeth twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular visits to the dentist.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/tooth-decay-topic-overview

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.