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What are Teeth Made From?


What are the layers of the Tooth?


Two main characters debate the best metaphor to represent layers in a movie for children that was made many decades ago. One is parfait and the other are onions. Parfait is a one-character claim. It's easier to describe an item using layers of onion than layers. Layers of parfait are a great way to visualize how your teeth are made. Each layer of your teeth is layered. When they are combined, they make up a functional or delicious whole. It won't work if there are too many layers. What are the tooth layers?




The Enamel

The crunchy outer layer of granola. The outer hard, crunchy coating of granola! It protects the tooth's inner layers from any external threats. Enamel is the hardest surface on the human body. It is composed of minerals, including hydroxyapatite, a special form of calcium. The enamel cap layer on the ends extends to the gum line, protecting the soft layers.


The Dentin

Next is the yogurt layer! The sensitive layer is dentin. It is composed of small tubes that look like they are stacked against each other. It connects the inner parts of a tooth with enamel. It serves as both a buffer and cushion between the innermost and outermost layers of the tooth. Dentin can be exposed if the enamel is removed. This can lead to sensitive teeth and painful sensations. The dentin/yogurt is what connects the enamel/granola and the berry filling/pulp.


The Pulp

Next is the berry filling. The pulp is the middle, soft layer of every tooth. It is home to nerves and blood vessels, and keeps the teeth healthy and happy. The most vulnerable part of the tooth is the pulp. It is similar to the parfait berries and requires protection from the surrounding layers. If the pulp of a tooth is exposed, pain can be almost unavoidable. If the pulp is severely damaged, a root canal may be necessary to save some tooth structures. Just like the parfait, the pulp is crucial to the health and well-being of the tooth.


Here are 10 additional facts you may not know about your teeth

Everyone knows they should brush their teeth and floss every day. However, that doesn't mean they have to do it all the time. You can have beautiful white teeth by using treatments strengthen your teeth and gums. If you want to have a beautiful smile and keep your teeth healthy, it is important to take good care of your teeth. We rarely stop to consider the materials used to make our teeth and how important it is to care for them.


These are 10 amazing facts about your teeth that you may not have known.


1) There are four types of tissue found in our teeth: pulp and enamel, cementum, cementum, dentin, and cementum. Cementum is the connective tissue that holds your tooth in place within your jawbone.


2) Enamel: This is the protective, hard-wearing, shiny coating that covers your teeth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.


3) Teeth don't have marrow-like bone structure. Their blood supply is provided instead by a substance called the dental pulp. This substance contains nerves that could cause pain if you have a cavity or eat cold foods.


4) Some people think that teeth and bones are one thing. While they have some similarities, the truth is that teeth cannot heal themselves or grow back together after they are broken.

4) There are three types of teeth: canines, incisors and molars. The Incisors can be used to bite down on food. Canines are responsible for tearing up food while canines cut it apart and hold it. Molars grind it.


6) Your crown is the top part of your teeth. It is also known by the fingerprint.


7) Children get their first teeth between 4 and 7 months old. They typically have 20 teeth by age 3.


8) The foundation of adult teeth is the baby teeth. As they get older, they place more pressure on the roots which causes them fall out. These baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. Adults usually have 32 permanent teeth by the time they turn adulthood.


9) Plaque is a mixture of bacteria and food that can build up on your teeth. If they aren’t cleaned properly, Acid can be produced by bacteria that eat sugary foods. This dissolves calcium minerals in enamel and dentine, and eventually creates a cavity.


10) Tooth decay can be caused by tartar buildup if the plaque isn't removed promptly. Tooth loss can be caused by gum disease. Other health issues can also be caused by tartar.


Do you have questions about your smile? Dental's DR PAUL. O’MALLEY are available to answer your questions. To receive a complimentary consultation, checkup or cleaning, and to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile, book an appointment.


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