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Written By: Admin | Updated : August 6, 2013 12:20 PM IST
We use them for biting, tearing, grinding and chewing. They help keep our facial profile by supporting facial muscles. We're talking about our humble teeth here! Have you ever wondered what makes our teeth so strong yet resilient? In this post, we reveal some of the facts which make them what they are.
Before we delve into the various layers of the tooth, you should know that the word 'crown' refers to the visible part of the tooth (above the gums) and 'root' is referred to the part which lies inside the jaw under the gums.
Enamel the hardest tissue in the body
Tooth enamel is the outer most protective covering of the crown of the tooth. It is highly mineralized and is made up primarily of hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) crystals. It is normally light yellow to greyish/bluish white in colour. It lacks blood vessels or nerves and cannot be replaced by the body once damaged.
Read: Teeth whitening: What you need to know before opting for the procedure
Cementum helps anchor the tooth to the bone
Cementum is the outermost yellowish layer covering the root of a tooth. It is hard as bone but is softer than enamel and dentin (the layer below enamel and cementum). It helps the periodontal ligaments to attach to the tooth.
Read: How are your teeth supported?
Dentin makes the tooth resilient
The bone-like mineralized connective tissue underneath the enamel and cementum is known as dentin. It makes up the majority of the tooth structure and serves as a support for the enamel. It is yellowish in colour. It is less mineralized and softer than enamel due to which decay progresses more rapidly in dentin. It is made up of many tiny channels called dentinal tubules which help transmit sensation of pain and touch to the pulp. Exposure of dentin due to damage to the enamel causes sensitivity in the tooth.
Pulp the life of the tooth
Often referred to as the nerve of the tooth, pulp is the soft connective tissue beneath the dentin, both in the crown and the root. It forms the core of the tooth and is made up of blood vessels, nerves and cells. The pulp nourishes the tooth, provides sensation and also has a protective function. It also helps in the formation of dentin. When bacteria enter the pulp either through decay in the tooth or through periodontal fibres (due to gum disease), it causes inflammation of the pulp. Since it is enclosed inside dentine and cementum, the pus formed can cause pressure build up and cause extreme pain.
Read: Root canal treatments your queries answered
