Do you really know anything about your teeth? The most important job your teeth do is to help you chew your food to make it easier to digest. Because of this, your teeth are incredibly strong. Your incisors use around 35 to 50 pounds of pressure to bite your food. Your molars need about 200 pounds of force to chew it.
The visible part of the tooth is called the crown. It is coated with enamel which is the hardest substance in your body. It protects the interior parts of your tooth.
The number of roots a tooth has depends on its size and what its job is in your mouth. Below the gumline, the root is covered with cementum, which is not nearly as strong as your enamel and is very vulnerable to decay. Under the enamel you will find the dentin.. Under the dentin is the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.
If you would like to learn more about your teeth and how to properly care for them, our dentist, Dr. John F. Lann would be happy to tell you more. You can call 512-255-1025 to schedule an appointment at Stonegate Dentistry, or come by our office in Round Rock, Texas.