The teeth are not only important aesthetically, but they perform a whole range of functions that ensure the well-being of the person. Under certain influences, the teeth react very sensitively and with sometimes devastating consequences due to diseases.
What are teeth?
Schematic structure of the tooth and its components. Click to enlarge. Each individual tooth is a component of a complex structure, which in its entirety is called teeth. The teeth of a human being are based on different forms and have different functions in this respect. In addition to the front or incisors, the canines and molars are named, which differ from each other in that some teeth are suitable for biting and others for grinding food. The teeth are already laid out in their basic positioning during the development of the fetus in the womb and first appear temporarily as milk teeth. These little teeth are later replaced by the permanent teeth preserved until old age.
Anatomy and structure
Teeth are made of an extremely hard and mechanically extremely resistant structure that includes both organic and inorganic components. Teeth are divided into what is known as the root of the tooth, the neck of the tooth, and the crown of the tooth. In teeth, the root serves as a retaining element in the upper or lower jaw bone. In longitudinal section, the teeth show a cavity filled with the pulp. Nerve fibers and blood vessels are also enclosed in this cavity. Teeth are predominantly composed of the dentin or dentine. The constantly regenerating coating of the teeth is also called dental cement. Above the crown of the teeth is the enamel, in which fluoride, calcium and a whole range of organic substances are stored.
Functions and tasks
The tasks of the teeth are primarily concerned with the absorption and comminution of the ingested food. In this context, the teeth are all needed to ensure that the complete masticatory apparatus remains stable and that there are no impairments to the temporomandibular joints due to uneven wear. An incomplete set of teeth, in which many teeth are missing, consequently causes damage to all the systems involved. In the case of the incisors, their narrow shape causes the food bites to be cut off. The teeth in the corner area can hold the food parts and also support the biting off. The so-called molars or cheek teeth first grind the food into larger pieces. These are converted into a pulpy consistency by the square teeth in the cheek zones. The teeth are also needed for the formation of speech sounds and thus for communication. In addition, the teeth are aesthetically important and promote skills such as laughing, singing and making music.
Diseases
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy of the teeth and dentition. Click to enlarge. Teeth can become diseased and lost despite their natural resilience and extraordinarily large load-bearing capacity. The most common diseases of teeth are caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease as a result of periodontitis. Periodontitis is a progressive inflammation of the periodontium. The teeth in periodontal disease lose their support due to a recession of the gums or a so-called gingival atrophy. Gingivitis is also one of the classic diseases of the teeth. In gingivitis, the gums surrounding the tooth become inflamed. Tooth decay is a disease of the teeth caused by bacterial pathogens in combination with a special environment in the mouth. If left untreated, caries can affect the entire tooth and spread to other teeth if proper precautions are not taken. Tooth decay occurs when the white substance of the tooth is damaged and bacteria and acidic saliva and food particles in the form of plaque continue their destruction. These processes go so far that the sensitive inner parts of the teeth are involved and a tooth has to be removed. In this regard, the teeth can be affected by different degrees of caries. These are called enamel, root or secondary caries, depending on their extent.Unlike tooth decay in all chewing areas, periodontitis and periodontosis, as well as gingivitis, affect the soft areas around the teeth.
Typical and common diseases
- Tooth loss
- Tartar
- Toothache
- Yellow teeth (tooth discoloration)
