Papers shuffle on the test. Chalk hits the blackboard. School’s back in session and students are laboring away, developing skills and knowledge that may impact your life and society at-large. It’s a fair bet that right now, somewhere in New York, dental students are busy perfecting their craft. If you’re not planning to work in the dental industry, you won’t need to pick up as extensive of a dental education. However, understanding the basics of tooth anatomy can go a long way. Fortunately, if you have questions, you can reach out to Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn. We’ve got years of education and loads of experience under our belts, having established ourselves as the best dentists in Brooklyn.
Just looking for some expertly crafted dental reading material? We’re going to cover the basics of teeth anatomy. Don’t worry if this topic is a bit complicated. Fact is, the average person doesn’t need to be an expert in the anatomy of teeth or dental care. That’s what dentists are for. If you’re looking for top-notch dental in NYC, remember that Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn is here for you.
The Anatomy of a Tooth
You’ve already got plenty of experience with teeth. You’ve seen other people’s smiles, you’ve seen your own. The (hopefully) white tops you see are only parts of the tooth. The visible part of the tooth is called the crown. The outer layer of the crown is the enamel. When someone gets cavities, it’s because the enamel is breaking down, exposing the dentin and potentially pulp chamber beneath.
Speaking of pulp, this makes up much of the interior of the tooth. In a certain sense, the pulp is like the beating heart of your tooth. If an infection reaches the pulp, it can result in immense pain. In the olden days, if your pulp became infected, you’d probably remove the tooth to prevent further pain. Now, the pulp can be cleared out and filled. We’ve helped countless New Yorkers fill in cavities and treat tooth pain.
Yet at the end of the day, your crowns are only one half of your teeth. Beneath the gum line (assuming you have healthy, full gums) you’ll find roots, which anchor your teeth in the gums and jawbone. Inside of the roots, you’ll find the root canal, which also contains pulp.
We’ve covered tooth anatomy so far, but it’s also important to understand the anatomy of other parts of your mouth. Your teeth fit into sockets in the alveolar bone, which is sometimes referred to as the alveolar process. This bone, in turn, is fixed to your maxilla and mandible. Your maxilla is on top, while your mandible is the lower, movable part of your jaw.
Your gums also can’t be ignored. In fact, gum infections are one of the most common oral health problems New Yorkers suffer from. It’s crucial to take care of your gums, regularly brushing them and contacting a dentist, such as Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn, if you believe they’re infected or experiencing other issues.
The Importance of Anatomy for Dental Care
Check out our services page and you’ll notice that there are many different types of treatment. These treatments often target specific parts of the teeth and mouth. An oral hygienist cleaning your teeth will spend much of his or her time focusing on the crowns and gums. A dentist filling in a cavity will also likely be focused on your crowns.
Then there are procedures like root canal therapy. As you can guess, this procedure focuses on the roots of your teeth. If a dentist is installing dental implants, they’ll be working with your jaw bones. When approaching dental care, dentists need to have a deep understanding of each part of the anatomy.
Of course, you can leave the details to dentists and oral hygienists. If you have questions about oral anatomy or simply want to learn more, feel free to ask your dental team. At Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn, we’re always ready to help our patients further their knowledge of oral health.
As you can see, oral anatomy is no simple topic. Keep in mind, we’ve only quickly glanced at some of the most important concepts. If you’re looking for the best dental experts in NYC, get in touch with Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn.
Some Quick Tips for Oral Healthcare in New York
If you’re looking up oral and tooth anatomy, there’s a fair chance you have some concerns regarding dental health. We’ll outline some tips below. Remember, however, that you can contact Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn if you have any concerns.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush for at least two minutes, carefully reaching every visible part of your teeth, and don’t forget about the gums!
Floss Daily:
- Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
Rinse with Mouthwash:
- Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help kill bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel.
- Follow the instructions on the mouthwash label.
Maintain a Healthy Diet:
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Fortunately, NYC is filled with great healthy eateries. Consider dental care when selecting where to dine and what to eat.
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain saliva production and wash away bacteria.
- Keep New York’s humid summers in mind. You may need some extra water.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum:
- Next time you stop by your favorite Brooklyn bodega, opt for sugar-free gum.
- Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and protect your teeth.
Replace Your Toothbrush:
- Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Protect Your Teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to prevent injuries to your teeth and mouth.
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping to prevent tooth damage.
Visit Your NYC Dentist Regularly:
- Schedule regular dental check-ups at Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn and cleanings, typically every six months.
- Dentists can identify issues early and provide guidance on maintaining your oral health.
Quit Smoking and Avoid Tobacco Products:
- Smoking and using tobacco products can increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
- Seek support if you need help quitting.
Be Mindful of Teeth-Staining Substances:
- NYC is filled with great cafes but many drinks are hard on the teeth.
- Limit the consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine, as these can stain your teeth.
Looking for more oral healthcare tips? If you live in NYC, stop by Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn and we’d be happy to help.