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?