The tooth is one of the important organs in the human body. Teeth are used for eating food and also for speaking.

Anatomy of a Tooth

The human tooth consists of two basic regions-the crown and the root. The crown is essentially the part that is visible outside, while the root is the part embedded into the bone. Diagrammatically the structure of a tooth can be represented as below:

The Crown consists of the following two layers:

♦  Enamel: This is the outmost white layer of the tooth and is, in fact, made up of microscopic rods which run parallel to each other. It is the hardest tissue in the body.

♦  Dentin: This is the hard, yellowish and porous layer of the tooth under the enamel. This, however, stretches into the root region as well.

The Root comprises the following layers from the outer to the inner:

♦  Gum: It is the soft, reddish-to-pink fleshy tissue that surrounds the root region and is technically known as Gingiva.

♦  Alveolar bone: Between the gums and the cementum is the alveolar bone, which is the bony process of the maxillary and the mandibles(the two tooth-bearing bones in human beings).

♦  Periodontal ligament: The fleshy connective tissue lying outside the cementum.

♦  Cementum: This is a layer of bony, yellowish tissue which helps to hold the tooth in the socket and provides an attachment to the periodontal ligament.

♦  Dental Pulp: This is the innermost layer of the tooth. It is the soft tissue where all the nerves and blood vessels are present.

The alveolar bone, the periodontal ligament, the cementum and the dental pulp are together termed periodontium.

Different types of teeth

Incisors: These are chisel-shaped front teeth with flat surfaces. There are totally eight in number, 4 on the lower row and 4 in the upper row, and are used for biting food.

Canines (Cuspids): Used for tearing food, these are conical in shape and are four in total- 2 in the upper row and 2 in the lower row. The edge of the tooth comprises of a single, large cusp.

Premolars (Bicuspids): Primarily used for chewing, they also aid in biting of the food. They are 4 in the lower row and 4 in the upper row with two cusps on each tooth.

Molars: These are used for grinding the food. There are 6 on the lower row and 6 on the upper row and have four to five cusps on the surface. The last/third molar on each side of the jaw is often referred to as “wisdom tooth”.

Common Tooth Problems

Plaque: This is the most common problem of the tooth. Plaque is the formation of a colorless film of food debris and bacteria on the tooth, if not cleaned thoroughly. Plaque, slightly hardened, is known as tartar. If any plaque is noticed, it should be removed immediately, otherwise, it would be difficult to get it removed and further, would gradually result in formation of cavities leading to dental decay.

Caries: Caries or dental decay is the situation where bacteria destroy the tooth enamel producing “holes” on the tooth. These “holes” are also referred to as dental cavities. It appears coarse to the touch and can only be treated professionally using a dental cleaner. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, it is said to be in an advanced stage which results in pain and slight movement of the tooth. Generally, any dental decay in the starting stages is treated with a minor 'filling'; however if the decay is in advanced stages, it might lead to removing the tooth.

Tooth sensitivity: This is caused due to partial erosion of the outer enamel layer resulting in pain when consuming cold or hot items.

Gum Diseases: Problems involving the gum include gum-swelling and gingivitis. In gingivitis, the bacteria in the plaque inflame the gums; they become red and tend to bleed easily. Advanced form of gingivitis is known as periodontitis where the periodontium is affected.

Methods of prevention

Tooth problems can be easily prevented by following oral hygiene. The below-mentioned methods can be implemented to avoid problems to the tooth.

1. Use a Fluoride toothpaste: Use fluoride-based toothpastes for brushing teeth, especially after having too much of acidic foods. The fluoride in the paste prevents the growth of acid-producing bacteria on the tooth.

2. Gargle your mouth with a dental mouthwash: Use an antiseptic dental mouthwash before going to bed at night. This would prevent accumulation of bacteria while sleeping and also protect the gums. However, brushing your teeth at night is always better and advisable.

3. Use a Floss/dental pick: Use a dental pick or floss to remove food particles between teeth or near the gums.

4. Avoid heavy acid foods: Avoid consuming too much of acidic food stuffs such as citrus fruits or soft drinks. The acid in these items would gradually lead to erosion of the outer enamel and also help in the growth of bacteria. Also, get habituated to drink water after consuming acid foods.

5. Brush softly: Brush your teeth softly, and not fiercely, by moving the brush in circular motion. This avoids tooth sensitivity and excessive bleeding from the gums.

6. Use tooth powder from cow dung cakes: Tooth powder made from burnt cow dung cakes can be used to strengthen the gums.

7. Have Green Tea: Consume a glass of green tea daily; this ensures healthy gums.