Welcome to Tooth Basics!
Skip to Section: How to Care for Your Teeth
On this page, you will learn about why teeth are important, the parts of a tooth and their functions, and basic instructions for caring for your teeth. Let’s get started!
Why Do We Need Teeth?
Of course we need teeth for chewing, but here are the other reasons we need our teeth:
- Making facial expressions
- Speaking
- Starting the digestion process
Parts of a Tooth and Their Functions
Teeth are made up of many different sections and tissues. We will list them for you here.
- Crown
- This is the top part of the tooth. The shape of the crown enables different functions.
- Root
- The anchor that keeps a tooth in place.
- Nerves and blood vessels
- Nerves in the teeth are sensory, they carry information on hot or cold.
- Gums
- Keep your teeth in place and provide a barrier against infection.
- Enamel
- The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth. It is the hardest and most mineralized tissue for humans. It protects your teeth from damage.
- Dentin
- This is the layer underneath the tooth enamel surface. It absorbs pressure from eating and transfers impulses from the enamel to the pulp.
- Pulp
- Soft, living tissue that consists of nerve tissue and blood vessels.
Tooth Care
You only get one set of adult teeth, so it is extremely important that you take care of them!
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Drink fluoridated water
- Visit your dentist twice a year
Next Lesson
In the next lesson, you will learn about the differences between baby teeth and adult teeth. Stay tuned!