The human tooth has a complex structure with many layers and surfaces, each playing a specific role, says a Dentist in Bristol, Connecticut. Knowledge of the anatomy of tooth surfaces is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing common dental problems. In this guide, I will describe the different surfaces of a tooth, their specific structure, and function.

1. Crown:

The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums. It is covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. The crown can be divided into the following surfaces:

The occlusal surface is the chewing surface of the tooth and is characteristic of molars and premolars. It is characterized by dashes and fossae, which are called cusps. Their main function is to grind food during chewing.

The incisal edge is the cutting edge of the incisors, which is designed for biting and tearing food.

The facial surface is the surface of the tooth adjacent to the lips and cheeks. It is also divided into:

• Labial surface of the teeth of the arcade of the mouth is the facial surface of the front teeth, and the lingual surface is the lingual rather than the facial surface of the arcade of the mouth.
• Buccal surface is the facial surface of the cheek tooth.

The lingual surface is the lingual surface of the teeth facing the tongue.

2. Root:

The root is the structure of the tooth that is anchored into the bone under the gumline. It is covered by a layer of cementum, which helps the tooth to be attached to the alveolar bone and ligament. The root can be divided into the following surfaces:

Mesial surface: a surface of the root that is close to the midline of the dental arch.

Distal surface: It is the surface of the distal root which is far from the midline of the dental arch. 

Buccal and lingual surface: It faces the cheek and tongue respectively

Anatomy of Enamel, Dentin, and Cementum

• Enamel: It is the hardest tissue in the body and covers the crown of the tooth to protect against decay.
• Dentin: It makes over the majority of the first tooth beneath the enamel and is not as hard as enamel but retains some toughness.
• Cementum: It covers the roots of teeth and also helps hold the tooth in place.

It is an imperative aspect of oral health care so learning such topics and accessing them may improve health. Now that the function of teeth and types of teeth anatomy are clearly explained, dental visits may not be a problem anymore.

Teeth scaling is a popular dental procedure in New York where plaque and tartar are removed from your mouth by a dentist in their clinic. Plaque is produced when bacteria in your mouth are not cleaned properly. When plaque accumulates and does not get removed over time, it turns into a hard substance called tartar. 

There are many benefits of tooth scaling, as it improves your dental hygiene and reduces the risk of tooth decay. However, certain myths can prevent you from taking advantage of the procedure. Read the blog to find out what they are, and visit your dentist in Great Neck, NY.

Most common teeth scaling myths.

1. Teeth scaling causes tooth sensitivity.

There will definitely be some sensitivity after your dental cleaning is completed. Also, there may be temporary or transient sensitivity after the procedure. The main reason behind this is that after a long period of inactivity, the teeth are now being exposed to the oral environment. 

After a week, this transitory sensitivity will subside. It is highly advised to use gum astringent for the following weeks to promote effective and quick healing of your gums.

2. Teeth scaling weakens the tooth.

Over a long period of time, a hard, semi-calcified layer is formed between your teeth and gums. Therefore, gums become a bit detached from your teeth. When the dentist removes tartar or deposits from the gum line, it might feel like your teeth have become loose. 

However, it was actually a bad support for your teeth. After a few weeks, the gums become attached to the teeth, and your mouth feels healthy and tartar free.

3. Teeth scaling is a cosmetic procedure.

Teeth scaling is both a cosmetic and therapeutic procedure, and it is very important for your gum health. Cosmetic teeth scaling procedure helps in the removal of stains from your teeth and makes them more shiny and white. Removing the unnecessary layers between your teeth and gums can benefit your oral health greatly. It eliminates bad breath, decreases gum bleeding, and increases tooth support. 

4. Teeth scaling causes spacing between teeth.

When you miss your daily oral hygiene routine, gum disease develops quickly. As the plaque accumulates, it gets converted into tartar, which causes spacing between your gums and teeth. This calls for teeth scaling. If tartar is not removed, the gaps might become permanent and require more professional and costly treatments. 

When the tartar is removed, the spacing caused by it between your teeth and gums becomes visible. However, you do need to worry. After your scaling procedure, the gums will return to their previous position within a few weeks only.

Now that you know what myths there are about teeth scaling, you can get the procedure done with no worries. Call your dentist and book a teeth scaling appointment today!

We are already aware that childhood tooth decay is widespread in Texas, but that is not the only problem. As your child’s teeth transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, you should also be on the lookout for a developing malocclusion or poor bite. It is essential to get their teeth thoroughly checked and treated. Visiting an Orthodontist in Irving, TX is certainly a good choice for that.

Malocclusion essentially refers to the misalignment of the lower and upper teeth when your jaw is closed. There are numerous types of malocclusions, and some of them can be really serious and require treatment.

Signs of a developing poor bite in your child 

Although the signs can be subtle in nature, you may be able to detect a developing poor bite if you know what to look for. These signs include:

• Excessive spacing. 

You might be able to notice this when your child still has primary teeth. If you see a big space around the front teeth, the size of the jaws and teeth may be disproportionate.

• Abnormal eruptions.

Our permanent teeth normally follow a pattern while erupting, but certain factors can hinder the process, leading to abnormal eruptions. Factors such as a jaw that developed too small or premature loss of a baby tooth are just a few examples.

• Overlapping of teeth abnormally.

The teeth in the upper side of your mouth are normally supposed to cover the lower teeth when your jaws are shut. But if it is the opposite, that the lower teeth are covering the upper teeth, the upper teeth are extending too far over the lower ones, or there is space between the lower and upper front teeth when they bite down, it means a malocclusion may be forming. Moreover, different overlapping patterns should also be looked out for, as in the case of crossbites.

 What are the causes of a poor bite?

The possible causes in some cases can be genetic, but in other cases, they can be due to environmental factors, especially during the development stage of the teeth. Such factors include thumb-sucking, using pacifiers for prolonged periods, breathing from the mouth due to some condition or allergies, premature or late loss of a baby tooth, injuries to the jaw, mouth, or face, cavities that led to an abnormal eruption of teeth, and much more.

 Why are orthodontic interventions required for your child?

Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7, according to AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), as early detection of the condition can reduce the treatment time and prevent the development of more severe conditions. If your child is suffering from a poor bite, it is recommended that the child get examined and receive treatment accordingly by an orthodontist to avoid further complications.