Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Common tooth conditions
Your teeth perform many functions on a daily basis, which makes them susceptible to a variety of conditions. Cavities Tooth cavities are small holes caused by a buildup of bacteria and acid on the surface of a tooth. Left untreated, they can grow deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp. Cavities can cause pain, sensitivity…
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Crown
The crown of a tooth is the portion of the tooth that’s visible. It contains three parts: Anatomical crown. This is the top portion of a tooth. It’s usually the only part of a tooth that you can see. Enamel. This is the outermost layer of a tooth. As the hardest tissue in your body, it helps…
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Neck
The neck, also called the dental cervix, sits between the crown and root. It forms the line where the cementum (that covers the root) meets the enamel. It has three main parts: Gums. Gums, also called gingiva, are the fleshy, pink connective tissue that’s attached to the neck of the tooth and the cementum. Pulp. Pulp is…
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Structure and function
Root The root is the part of the tooth that extends into the bone and holds the tooth in place. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the tooth. It’s made up of several parts: Root canal. The root canal is a passageway that contains pulp. Cementum. Also called cement, this bone-like material covers the tooth’s root. It’s…
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Types of teeth
Most people start off adulthood with 32 teeth, not including the wisdom teeth. There are four types of teeth, and each plays an important role in how you eat, drink, and speak. The different types include: Incisors. These are the chisel-shaped teeth that help you cut up food. Canines. These pointy teeth allow you to tear and…
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Preventing tooth cavities
Tooth cavities are a common dental problem, but you can reduce your risk by doing the following: Brush your teeth at least twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods, like sweets, candy, juice, soda, and refined carbohydrates. Limit…
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Complications from tooth cavities
A tooth cavity can cause a variety of complications if it’s left untreated. These include: ongoing tooth pain a tooth abscess, which can become infected and trigger life-threatening complications, like an infection that enters the bloodstream or sepsis the development of pus around the infected tooth an increased risk for breaking or chipping a tooth difficulty…
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Treatment options for tooth cavities
Tell your doctor about uncomfortable symptoms like tooth sensitivity or pain. Your dentist can identify tooth decay after an oral exam. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dentist. However, some cavities aren’t visible from an oral exam. So your dentist may use a dental X-ray to look for decay.…
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Causes of tooth cavities
Tooth cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky substance that binds to teeth. Plaque is a combination of: bacteria saliva acid food particles Everyone has bacteria in their mouth. After eating or drinking foods with sugar, bacteria in your mouth turn sugar into acid. Plaque starts forming on your teeth soon after eating or drinking…
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Symptoms of tooth cavities
The symptoms of a cavity depend on the severity of the decay. They include: tooth sensitivity tooth pain a visible hole in your teeth black or white staining on your teeth
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