Tooth Anatomy

People use their teeth to bite and chew food which is the first step in the digestion of food.

People have two sets of teeth in their lives, the primary teeth also called the baby, or milk teeth.

Cementum - a layer of tough, yellowish, bone-like tissue that covers the root of a tooth. It helps hold the tooth in the socket.

Crown - the visible part of a tooth.

Dentin - the intermediate tooth layer, the dentin is harder than bone.

Enamel - the hard shiny, white outer surface of the tooth, it is hydroxyapatite, which is a crystalline calcium phosphate

Nerves & Pulp - nerves transmit signals (conveying messages like hot, cold, or pain) to and from the brain, the soft center of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; it nourishes the dentin.

Periodontal membrane/ligament - the fleshy tissue between tooth and the tooth socket; it holds the tooth in place.

Root - the anchor of a tooth that extends into the jawbone. The number of roots ranges from one to four.

Learn how to take care of your own teeth with good nutrition...