teeth

The teeth are not only aesthetically important, they also fulfill a whole range of functions that ensure human wellbeing. Under certain influences, the teeth react very sensitively and with sometimes devastating consequences from diseases.

What are teeth

Schematic structure of the tooth and its components. Click to enlarge.

Each individual tooth is part of a complex structure, which in its entirety is called teeth referred to as. A person's teeth are based on different shapes and have different functions in this regard.

In addition to the front or incisors, the canine and molar teeth are named, which differ from one another in that some teeth are suitable for biting off and others are suitable for grinding food.

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The teeth are laid in their basic position during the development of the fetus in the womb and initially appear temporarily as milk teeth. These teeth are later replaced by the permanent teeth that have survived into old age.

Anatomy & structure

The teeth consist of an extremely hard and mechanically extremely resistant structure that contains both organic and inorganic components.

The teeth are divided into the so-called tooth root, the tooth neck and the tooth crown. The root serves as a holding element in the upper or lower jaw bone of the teeth. In the longitudinal section the teeth show a cavity filled with the pulp. This also includes nerve fibers and blood vessels.

The majority of the teeth consist of dentin or dentin. The constantly regenerating coating on the teeth is also known as dental cement. Tooth enamel is located above the crown of the teeth, in which fluoride, calcium and a whole range of organic substances are stored.

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Functions & tasks

In the tasks of the teeth it is primarily about the intake and chopping of the ingested food. The teeth are all needed in this context so that the entire chewing apparatus remains stable and there is no impairment of the temporomandibular joints due to uneven wear.

Gaps in the set of teeth, in which many teeth are missing, therefore causes damage to all systems involved. In the case of the incisors, due to their narrow shape, the food bites are severed. The teeth in the corner area can hold the food in place and also support biting.

The so-called molars or cheek teeth first chop up the food into larger pieces. These are transformed 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 favor skills such as laughing, singing and making music.

Diseases

Schematic representation of the anatomy of the teeth and the dentition. Click to enlarge.

The teeth Despite their natural resilience and extremely high resilience, they can fall ill and get lost. Caries (tooth decay) and periodontosis as a result of periodontitis are among the most common diseases of the teeth.

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Periodontitis is a progressive inflammation of the periodontium. The teeth with periodontal disease lose their hold due to a regression of the gums or a so-called gum recession. Gingivitis is also one of the classic diseases of the teeth. In gingivitis, the gums that embed the tooth become inflamed.

Caries or tooth decay is a disease of the teeth, which is caused by bacterial pathogens and a combination with a special environment in the mouth. If left untreated, caries can affect the entire tooth and also spread to other teeth if appropriate precautions are not taken.

The teeth are referred to as carious infestation when the white substance of the tooth is damaged and bacteria as well as acidic saliva and food components in the form of plaque have continued to destroy them. These processes go so far that the sensitive inner components of the teeth are involved and a tooth has to be removed.

In this regard, the teeth can be affected by different types of caries. Depending on the extent, these are referred to as enamel, root or secondary caries. In contrast to tooth decay in all chewing areas, periodontitis and periodontosis as well as gingivitis affect the soft areas around the teeth.

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➔ Medication for toothache

Typical & common diseases

• Tooth loss
• Tartar
• Toothache
• Yellow teeth (tooth discoloration)