Tooth (human)

Tooth (human)

The tooth is a vital part of the human anatomy that plays a significant role in the digestive system. It is primarily used for breaking down food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digesting.

Structure

Diagram of a human tooth

The human tooth consists of two main parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth, while the root is embedded in the jawbone.

Crown

The crown is covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, which forms the bulk of the tooth structure.

Root

The root anchors the tooth to the jawbone. It is covered by cementum, a bone-like substance, and is filled with pulp, a soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves.

Function

Human teeth have different shapes and sizes that suit their specific functions. The incisors are used for cutting, the canines for tearing, and the molars and premolars for grinding.

Development

Human teeth develop in stages, starting from the tooth bud stage in the fetus to the eruption of the permanent teeth in adolescence.

Health and disease

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the health of the teeth. Diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.

See also

• Dental anatomy
• Dental health
• Tooth eruption