Tooth 101: Parts, Conditions, and Cleaning of Your Teeth

Blue Ash Dental • March 20, 2019

Having stellar oral health requires a thorough understanding of how teeth work. Here are some of the fundamental areas of tooth literacy – Tooth 101!

Parts of the Tooth

Like any other part of the human body, the tooth consists of several distinct parts. Some of the primary parts of the tooth include the crown, the root, the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp.

Crown: Top part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line
Root: Bottom part of the tooth that is below the gum line and is responsible for keeping the tooth in place
Enamel: Hard, outermost part of the tooth
Dentin: Middle layer of the tooth between the enamel and the pulp
Pulp: Soft, innermost part of the tooth

Types of Teeth

Diseases and Other Conditions That Affect Teeth

All body parts can be affected by certain diseases and other types of conditions, and the teeth are no exception. Some common tooth conditions include:

Buildup of plaque: a sticky substance caused by lack of proper cleaning
Buildup of tartar: a hardened substance caused by excessive plaque
Cavities: holes in the tooth that are caused by plaque buildup
Gum disease: a blanket term for conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease that are caused when plaque buildup on teeth reaches the gums

Basic Tooth Care

Following a set of simple guidelines is the best way to keep your teeth looking nice and functioning properly. Some of the most important aspects of keeping your teeth healthy include:

Brushing regularly: at least twice daily
Flossing regularly: at least once daily
Using fluoride or other mouth rinses
Visiting your dentist regularly: generally one or two times per year

Artificial Tooth Replacements

Severely damaged teeth, as well as adult teeth that fall out due to gum problems or other conditions, may need to be replaced by artificial teeth. This can range from inserting a single artificial tooth following an injury to using full dentures due to severe tooth or gum problems.

Knowing tooth basics helps people to be informed about their oral healthcare choices in order to make educated decisions. At Blue Ash Dental Group, we care about providing our patients with the information they need to have an in-depth understanding of their teeth. Contact us today for answers to all of your tooth care questions or to schedule an appointment!

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