Enamel
It is the hardest substance in the body. It surrounds the tooth as a protective layer on the outside. It is not sensitive because it does not have nerve cells. 97% of it consists of calcium salts. Tooth enamel is arranged in the form of hexagonal “apatite” crystals. Calcium salts that enter the structure of the enamel slowly precipitate and accumulate on the organic tooth model and crystallize. This accumulation begins while the mother is in the womb. If the mother takes certain medications during pregnancy or if the child suffers from an illness during enamel formation, enamel accumulation may be disrupted. At that time, the teeth become yellow, gray or brown. Sometimes they are incomplete (hypoplasia) formed.
Dentin
It is the layer under the enamel. It makes up 75% of an adult human tooth. Although it has the same density as bone, it is sensitive to heat and touch. When necessary, they can re-form dentin tissue with the repair cells they contain. The main mass of the tooth is formed by the dentin (ivory) layer. Dentin is covered with enamel in the crown and cementum in the root. Dentin is a living structure and consists of 70% mineral salts, 20% organic matter and 10% water. Dentin contains many canals. The inside of these canals is filled with filaments that are extensions of the dentin-forming cells at the border of the tooth pulp. The cells that make dentin are called “Odontoblasts”. The number of dentin canals per square millimeter approaches 10,000. If the tooth is cut or reduced in size for filling or coating, these canals are exposed and pain is felt from cold, hot, sweet and sour.
Pulp (Tooth Pulp)
It is the name given to the middle part of the tooth and the soft tissue found there. It continues to the tip of the root. This part contains blood vessels and thanks to these vessels, the tooth is protected from infection and always remains active. At the same time, there are extremely sensitive nerve cells in the pulp and thanks to these cells, sensations such as hot, cold and pressure are felt. The dental pulp, also called “pulp”, consists of capillaries and veins located in a chamber formed by dentin; sensory nerves and a support tissue that protects all these structures. The outer perimeter of the dental pulp is surrounded by dentin-forming cells (odontoblasts). These cells are like castle guards that protect the tooth against caries and other harmful factors. If the dentin-forming cells prevail against caries that occur for any reason, these cells coat the dental pulp castle with dentin; if they are defeated, the dental pulp opens and becomes inflamed. This activity is more intense in the dental pulp of young people.
Cement
It is a bony layer covering the root, very thin. It allows the tooth root to hold onto the jaw bone. 65% of it is inorganic material. Sometimes, excessive cementum can accumulate around the root and at the root tip. This is called "Hypersementosis".
Teeth help to grind, break down and tear apart food at the beginning of the digestive system. They protect the supporting tissues surrounding them and ensure their development. They enable speech and the correct production of sounds. They are aesthetically integrated with the face.
Incisors
The front teeth in the lower and upper jaws are called "Incisors". Those with a width of 9-10 mm in the upper jaw are the central incisors; those with a width of 6-7 mm are the upper lateral incisors. The widths of the lower middle and lateral incisors are 6-7 mm. between.
Canine Teeth
Canines, also called "canine teeth" and "eye teeth", come after the incisors, and are four (4) in number, one on the right and left, in the upper and lower jaws. Their tips are sharp and are used for tearing.
Molar Teeth
Behind the canines are the molars. The molars, which are structurally different from each other, are five in each half jaw, two premolars and three molars, and a total of ten (10) in one jaw. All premolars have two tubercles for chewing and clenching. The molars in the upper jaw have four tubercles; the molars in the lower jaw have five tubercles. These tubercles are called "tubercles".
Wisdom Teeth (Wisdom Teeth)
Effect of Teeth on Speech
Teeth play an important role in proper speech. The following few examples highlight this role.
- DE and TE sounds are produced by the tip of the tongue supporting the palatal slope of the upper incisors.
- FE and VE sounds are produced by the lower lip touching the incisors of the upper incisors.
- SE sounds are produced by a complex process. While the lower and upper incisors are in contact, the tongue supports the lingual surface of the molars and the tip of the tongue forms a windpipe (making a groove between the incisors). ŞE and JE sounds are produced by a similar process; but the tip of the tongue does not participate in this task.
Teeth, jaw bones, gums, tongue, palate, all of these carry out the functions related to chewing, tasting, swallowing and speaking as a whole.
Biting and Grinding
Incisors are used to bite and cut food. The upper dental arch is wider than the lower dental arch and extends it in all directions. The mouth opens with the sliding of the lower jaw down and the bite enters between the incisors. When the mouth is closed, the upper incisors slide over the lower incisors like the blade of a pair of scissors with the biting movement and tear the food.
The grinding process is carried out by the harmonious operation of the lower jaw joint and chewing muscles and by lateral movements. In order to grind food well, it is essential that the teeth are properly aligned and complete.
Gum
Only the crown of a tooth is visible from the outside and the other parts are hidden in the jawbone; it is covered with gum tissue. Gum is a hard, fibrous structure that is well-nourished by blood circulation; its normal color is pale pink. The 4-5 mm gum, which is hard and tightly adheres to the bone, lines the inside of the cheeks and lips with a softer connection; this structure is called "Mucosa". "Vestibule" = "Branch" is located between the inner surface of the cheeks and lips and the teeth. (More detailed information is explained in the periodontics section.
