In American, we grow up knowing that taking care of our oral health is important, even if many still put off regular self-care. Fewer people are aware that keeping their mouths healthy will also potentially benefit their overall health, but science is finding that this is the case. Gaining a deeper understanding of your smile by learning about the anatomy of the teeth in your mouth (and what purpose each serves) can help to inspire you to care for this ever important part of your body. Try this quiz to learn more about your teeth.
Questions
Q1. True or false – Original primary (baby) teeth developed under your gumline after you were born.
Q2. True or false – The only part of any tooth that is visible when you smile is the crown.
Q3. True or false – There are four distinct types of teeth inside your mouth.
Q4. True or false – A lesser known part of your dental anatomy is called cementum.
Answers
A1. FALSE – Primary teeth begin to develop as early as the second trimester of pregnancy, so yours developed quite a while ago (depending on your current age). Baby teeth erupt from the gumline, one at a time, starting at around six months of age. Also one at a time, primary teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth between the ages of six and twelve years old.
A2. TRUE – Each of your teeth consists of two basic parts: dentin and dental pulp. You may be used to the term “crown” meaning a cap used to strengthen a weakened or damaged tooth, but crown is also the term for the only part of a tooth which is visible above the gumline..
A3. TRUE – Incisors are the eight front center teeth (four on top, four on bottom). They are used to bite into your food. Canines are your sharpest teeth and are used for ripping and tearing food. Premolars, or bicuspids, are for chewing and grinding food. Primary molars are also used for grinding and chewing food.
A4. FALSE – Cementum is an important part of your dental anatomy, as a matter of fact, because it secures the tooth root to the jawbone. It covers the root, but is softer than enamel. The best protection for cementum is avoiding gum recession.
ABOUT YOUR EVANSTON DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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