Understanding the basic structure of your teeth and mouth can make it easier to follow what’s happening during a check-up, and why certain treatments are recommended.
Parts of a Tooth
- Enamel — The hard, outer layer that protects the tooth. It’s the hardest substance in the body, but it can still wear down or be affected by decay over time.
- Dentine — The layer beneath the enamel. It’s softer than enamel and contains tiny tubes that connect to the nerve.
- Pulp — The soft tissue at the centre of the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.
- Root — Anchors the tooth into the jawbone, below the gum line.
- Cementum — A thin layer covering the root, helping hold the tooth in place.
Parts of the Mouth
- Gums (gingiva) — Soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.
- Jawbone — Provides the foundation that holds your teeth in place.
- Tongue — Assists with chewing, swallowing, and speech.
- Salivary glands — Produce saliva, which helps clean the mouth and support digestion.
Why This Matters
Knowing the difference between enamel, dentine, and pulp can help explain why a small chip might only need a simple filling, while decay that has reached the pulp may need more involved treatment, such as a root canal. Regular check-ups allow our team to monitor each part of your mouth and catch changes early.
Have Questions About Your Teeth?
If something doesn’t feel right, or you’d simply like to understand your own dental anatomy better, our Carina team is happy to talk it through. Call (07) 3398 2255 or [contact us] to book a check-up.
