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Things that You Probably Don’t Know about Your Teeth

Things that You Probably Don’t Know about Your Teeth

Most people tend to take their teeth for granted, unless of course, something happens to go wrong. Your teeth help you chew your food and play a vital role when you talk. In fact, your teeth and gums can affect your overall health.

People have baby teeth followed by a set of permanent teeth. Although the development of these two sets of teeth is quite similar, there are some differences between the two.

When your baby teeth erupt, they have been in development long before the first tooth becomes visible. In fact, your first baby teeth develop when you are in the womb with the crown forming first followed by the roots. The roots of your teeth actually continue to develop and grow after the tooth erupts.

Your teeth will usually erupt at the same time or in parallel. This means that the top two molars on your right and left side will develop at the same time.

According to Web MD, your 20 primary or baby teeth have usually erupted by the time you reach the age of three. These 20 teeth will remain in place until you are about six years old when they start to fall out so that your permanent teeth can erupt. Most kids will see their adult teeth grow between the ages of six and twelve. Your permanent teeth will take longer to develop and grow because they are larger than your baby teeth.

Your teeth consist of the crown and the root. Crowns are visible, while the roots of your teeth lie below your gum line and anchor the tooth to the bone.

Each tooth consists of four different kinds of tissue. These tissues include enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Each tissue performs a different job in order to maintain the health of the tooth.

The enamel covers the crown of your tooth and is actually harder than your bones. The enamel on your teeth protects it from decay and is made up of calcium and phosphorous.

The dentin lies under your enamel. Dentin looks like bone and is calcified. Because the dentin on your teeth is not as hard as the enamel, it will decay quicker if the enamel has worn away.

The tissue that covers the roots of your teeth and helps to anchor them to the bone is called cementum. This tissue is much softer than both enamel and dentin is more susceptible to dental caries. If you develop gum tissue, your cementum, which is a light yellowish color, could become exposed to bacteria and plaque.

The pulp, which is located in the very center of your teeth contains, nerves, blood vessels and other tissues. The pulp delivers important nutrients to your teeth and is sensitive to pain, hot and cold.

Good oral hygiene is vital for your overall health and includes brushing twice and flossing once a day. Regular dental checkups are also imperative for healthy teeth and gums. Schedule your dental appointment today.