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"