Our Elmhurst dentists want to help all of our patients learn as much as they can about the foundations of oral health. We have found, over time, that the more you know, the more empowered you’ll be to care for your smile properly. Here’s some helpful information about the basics of dental health…
Anatomy of a Tooth
Although a tooth may look like a solid mass, it is actually made up of a number of different tooth layers. The visible outermost layer of the tooth is called “dental enamel.” Enamel is a protective tooth layer. Directly under the enamel is “dentin,” and below that is the “dental pulp,” which contains tooth roots, blood vessels, and sensitive nerves.
Oral Tissues
It is also important to care for the soft tissues of your smile, and to clean them gently and thoroughly as recommended by your dentist. Remember that it’s also vital to keep your mouth hydrated, as harmful oral bacteria thrive in dry mouths.
Invisible Support
Maintaining the visible components of your smile is part of the battle, but your smile is supported by a number of important structures that sit below the gum tissue. Your teeth, for example, are held in place by the cementum and periodontal ligament. Without these crucial additions, your teeth would not stay in place in your jawbone and along your gum tissue.
As you can see, all of the disparate parts of your smile matter when it comes to achieving oral health. If you have any questions about taking care of your smile, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation with our Elmhurst dentists, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help!