Let's Understand the Anatomy of a Tooth in a Simple way.

 

Most people have experienced tooth pain in some fashion. It could be caused by many reasons. But have you ever wondered what makes up the structure of a tooth? Why pain comes from inside the tooth? To know the reason behind this, we have to understand the anatomy of a tooth.

How many teeth are present in our mouth?

• Most adults have 32 permanent teeth ( including last molars that is wisdom tooth ).
• Most children have 20 deciduous teeth ( milk teeth or primary teeth ).
• Upper teeth - Maxillary teeth ( upper jaw )
• Lower teeth - Mandibular teeth ( lower jaw )

Image A - Primary Teeth                                                      Image B- Permanent Teeth

Nomenclature of Tooth-

Incisors, Canines, Premolar, Molar

In primary dentition- 

Four incisors in each jaw - Central and Lateral 

Two Canines in each jaw

Four molars in each jaw - First and Second     

In permanent dentition -

Four incisors in each jaw - Central and lateral

Two Canines in each jaw

Four premolars in each jaw - First and Second 

Six molars -  First, Second and Third

Dental Formula 

Sequence of Eruption of a Tooth

For primary teeth -  

• 
  Mandibular central incisor ( 6 - 10 months )
• Maxillary central incisor ( 8-12 months ) 
  
• Maxillary lateral incisor ( 9 - 13 months )  
• Mandibular lateral incisor ( 10-16 months )  
• Maxillary first molar ( 13-19 months ) 
• Mandibular first molar ( 14-18 months  ) 
• Maxillary canine ( 6-12 months  ) 
• Mandibular canine ( 17-23 months ) 
• Mandibular second molar ( 23-31 months) 
•  Maxillary second molar ( 25- 33 months ).

For permanent teeth - 

• Mandibular central incisors and first molars (6-7 years)
• Maxillary central and mandibular lateral incisors (7-8 years)
•  Maxillary laterals (8-9 years)
•  Mandibular canines (9-10 years)
•  Maxillary first premolar (10-11 years)
• Mandibular first premolar and maxillary second premolar (10-12 years)
•  Maxillary first premolar (10-11) years
•  Mandibular first premolar and maxillary second premolars (10-12 years)
•  Maxillary canines and mandibular second premolar (11-12 years)
•  Mandibular second molars (11-13 years)
•  Maxillary second molar (12-13 years) 
• Third molars (17-21 years).

Parts Of Tooth - 

Enamel - 

Hard, white outer layer of the tooth that protects it from cavities and damage.

Primary                                    Permanent

* Enamel is thin.                  Enamel is 2-3mm thick.

Dentin -

Layer below the enamel. When dentin become exposed, it can produce sensitivity to hot and cold as well as sweet.

Primary                                Permanent

* Thickness is half of           Greater thickness over

permanent.                             pulpal floor.

Pulp-

The soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerve at the center of the tooth and responsible for pain and also infection can lead to tooth abscess and even tooth loss.

Primary                                                      Permanent

Pulp chamber are                               Pulp chamber is smaller as compared to crown size.

larger when compared

to crown size.                                              

Cementum-

It covers the tooth's root and attaches it to the jaw bone.

Primary                                             Permanent

Thin cementum.                                Thick cementum.

How do you practice good oral care?

• Avoid sugary and sticky foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• To adapt good oral hygiene check my blog on " How to get rid of plaque on teeth?

Sudden Tooth Pain? Let's know the reason behind this.

 

Do you ever experience sudden, sharp tooth pain. It can be very painful experience, disrupting your daily routine and making it difficult in common work like eating, drinking or even talking to someone. Don't worry, dental or tooth pain is a very common issue that many people face at one time or another.

In this blog, we will discuss some most common causes of sudden dental pain and how they can be treated effectively.

Common Causes -

1. Tooth Decay ( Cavity or caries )

One of the most primary reason for sudden tooth pain is tooth decay. It can be of various types like sharp pain, throbbing pain, dull pain etc, when there is involvement of nerves inside the pulp of the tooth.

 If the tooth decay is detected early, treatment usually involves filling the cavity to prevent further damage. If decay progress and reaches inner layer of tooth, then may be it can lead to root canal treatment.

2. Gum Swelling

Inflammation and infection of the gums can create discomfort. It starts with plaque formation, leading to inflammation, bleeding and eventually damage to the surrounding structures of the teeth.

 The early stage is called gingivitis which can be treated by adopting good oral hygiene but if it reaches to later stage called periodontitis, then scaling and root planning is necessary. 

3. Bruxism ( Teeth Grinding )

In this patient has habit of clenching their teeth, often unconsciously during sleep. This can lead to tooth attrition ( tooth wear ), or crack, or even a sudden toothache. 

It can be managed with the use of night guard, which helps to prevent further damage to the teeth. In some cases dental crown (cap) can be given.

4. Tooth Abscess

It is a very serious infection that occur at the root of the tooth or between gums and teeth. It is due to untreated caries, gum problems, pus formation, any trauma. Pain is usually throbbing type.

It needs immediate attention. Treatment involves drainage of pus or abscess to remove infection and performing a root canal to preserve the teeth.

5. Impacted Tooth ( wisdom tooth )

When wisdom tooth try to erupt but there is no space for eruption of the tooth, they can push against other teeth causing dental pain. It often leads to less jaw opening, swelling etc. 

In most of the cases, extraction are preferred. Also patient can apply pain relieving gel to your mouth.

5. Sensitivity 

It is also a common dental problem that causes sharp pain in your teeth. It is due to exposed dentin layer. It usually feel when you eat or drink hot or cold. You might feel pain while brushing or flossing your teeth. 

Use desensitizing toothpaste and brush gently with soft bristled toothbrush.

If sensitivity persist for a longer period of time, then visit a dental clinic and they will give protective coating on the teeth or dental bonding agent.

6. Fractured Tooth

A sharp pain when you bite or chewing something. Sensitivity can feel. Swelling may seen. 

Tale pain killer medication and salt water rinse.

If pain persist, visit a dentist, if the crack is more significant, a dental crown may be needed or root canal treatment. 

7. Trauma 

If any accident or trauma happen, and if you damage one of your teeth in any way, you may feel pain. you can use cold compression.

If pain persist, see a dentist and it can be hard to tell how severe the damage is without any X-ray and according to that treatment is plan.

Can I Prevent Toothache?

You can't always protect the toothache but you can opt some oral hygiene instructions to avoid dental problems .

you can check out the my previous blog " How To Get Rid of Plaque" and " The Stunning Benefits of regular Dental Check-up"

How To Get Rid of Plaque On Teeth?

 Dental plaque is a colorless or whitish sticky film that builds up on the teeth and gums, particularly at the gums margin. Let's see what causes plaque to accumulate on teeth. 

Causes of Plaque Accumulation

1. Bacteria - Bacteria are naturally present in the mouth and feeds on sticky food particles.
2. Food - Sugary and sticky foods like candy, sweets, fruits that contain sugar, chocolates etc.
3. Poor oral hygiene - Not brushing properly .
4. Other factors - Certain medications and medical conditions.

Various Ways To Get Rid of Plaque

1. The Tooth Brush 

Toothbrushes vary in size and designs as well as in length. When recommending a particular toothbrush, ease of use by the patient and the perception that the brush works well are the important considerations.

A. Manual toothbrush-  For adults, soft bristle toothbrush is ideal 
                                         For kids- Small head with soft bristles.

B. Electric toothbrush- These are more effective for plaque removal.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Most clinician recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every 3-4 months.

How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least two minutes, twice a day. 

Correct Method of Brushing

For Adults - Modified bass technique that involves holding the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Brush the outer surface of 2-3 teeth using a back and forth motion and rolling motion as shown in the figure . Repeat the same on inner surface.

For Children -Fones brushing technique, gently brush the teeth in small circles or in circular motion.

2. Interdental Cleaning Aids 

1. Dental Floss

Dental floss is the most widely recommended tool for removing plaque . 

# Technique of Flossing -

* Start with a piece of floss, and wrapped around the fingers, or the ends may be tied together in a loop.

* Stretch the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger and it gently through each contact area as shown in figure. 

* Use firm back and forth motion. Do not snap the floss.

* Form a C shape around one tooth and slide it up and down against the side of the tooth .

* Repeat this method in every tooth contact area.

# When to Floss?

You should floss before brushing, once a day.

2. Interdental Brushes

A wide variety of interdental cleaning aids are available for removing microbial plaque between the tooth. 

Most common are conical or cylindrical brushes etc.

# Technique

Insert through interproximal surfaces and moved back and forth between the teeth with short strokes as shown in figure. 

The diameter of brush should be slightly larger than the gingival embrasures to be cleaned.

3. Dentifrices 

1. Fluoridated Toothpaste -

Fluoride helps to prevent cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, and strengthen teeth.

Amount of toothpaste - 

0-12 months - tiny smear of water

1-2 years - grain of rice 

3-6 years -  pea size amount 

6 years and older - use a pea sized amount

4. Oral Rinse

1. Mouthwash

It is a liquid oral hygiene product used to rinse the mouth, freshen the breath, and help reduce bacteria.

There are different types of mouthwash- 

A. Fluoride mouthwash 

B. Antiseptic mouthwash 

C. Usually, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash is prescribed by dentist to treat gingivitis and post surgical infections.  

It depends on the condition of patient's oral health. 

# How to use mouthwash?

1. First brush your teeth and if possible floss your teeth.

2. Pour the right amount of mouthwash, generally 15-20ml is used. Use the cap given with mouthwash bottle.

3. Swish for 30-60 seconds and make sure that it reaches all area.

4.  Spit it out and and avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing with water for at least 30 minutes.    

# How Often To Use It?

Once or twice a day depending on the type of mouthwash and the condition of your oral cavity.

More than twice a day is not recommended as it can cause side effects.

Avoid overuse of mouthwash.

 5. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental checkup are very important to keep our teeth healthy.   

Click on this link to learn more in detail.                      

https://knowaboutdentistry.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-stunning-benefits-of-regular-dental.html

The Stunning Benefits Of Regular Dental Checkup

 

By Dr.ayushi bora 

Regular dental check-ups are very important to keep our teeth healthy. Everyone brushes their teeth but they are not sufficient on their own. let's decode the secrets to a healthy smile.

When Should You Make Your Child's First Dental Appointment?

According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first visit of the child to the dental clinic should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary or milk teeth. As we can provide the knowledge about sequence of eruption of teeth and prevention of caries.

How Often Adults Should Visit The Dentist?

The frequency of visits  depends on patient health needs but a common suggestion is visit the dentist every 6 months or twice in a year. 

Why Do Most Indians Never Visit a Dentist ?

1. Lack of awareness - Most of the people are not educated about oral hygiene. They usually prefer neem sticks to clean their teeth.

2. Accessibility - In rural areas, there is limited access, making it more difficult to the rural people.

3. Expensiveness - Not everyone can afford the dental treatment. Though people can go to government hospitals , but the quality of treatment gets compromised. 

4. No pain , no tension - When patient feels unbearable pain then only they will visit the dentist. People usually thinks that if there is no pain so there is no need of visiting dentist.

Benefits of Regular Dental Check-ups

1. Oral Hygiene Instructions - 

Dentist can provide instructions on brushing technique and flossing technique at their home.

2. Early Detection of Caries -

The outermost surface of tooth called enamel begins to erode first due to acidic reaction caused by several microorganisms . Dentist detects the early sign of tooth decay and can help prevent tooth decay . If it is not treated early then it might fall in to category of root canal treatment ( RCT).

3. Prevent any Periodontal Problems -

Accumulation of plaque and calculus is very common due to improper brushing technique as well as consuming of sugar and sweet candies. plaque and calculus further leads to recession of gums which mean the tooth surface will be more visible.

4. Education -

Almost all youngsters have a habit of smoking. And many youngsters don't even know that smoking can cause cancer as well as periodontal problems. So dentist will educate them and if needed they will give them counselling.

5. Oral Cancer Screening -

Early detection with the help of signs like any lesion or lump in the mouth.

6. Maintaining Overall Health - 

Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Many systemic diseases like diabetes, respiratory infections , bacterial infections are associated with periodontal health.

7. Monitoring Any Habits-

Some children has habit of thumb sucking even after crossing three years of age and that will lead to proclined teeth or child will not able to close lips properly that will automatically leads to mouth breathing. And mouth breathing is again not a good habit. So dentist will instruct their parents for the same.