As the hardest part of your body, your Teeth are a lifelong necessity for many reasons. Our Norwell, MA, dentist explains that, in addition to chewing your food, your teeth also support the bone structure of your face and hold your jaw in place. Without teeth, you wouldn’t be able to smile, which is why taking excellent care of them should always be a priority.

To help you fully understand the importance of healthy teeth, our Norwell dentist offers insight on the four main parts that create a tooth.

What Are Your Teeth Made Of? – Our Norwell, MA, Dentist Answers

1. Enamel

The outer layer of your teeth, enamel, is what protects your teeth and gives them longevity. Being made of hard minerals enamel is strong, but our Norwell, MA, dentist explains that it can wear away over time and cannot be regenerated by your body. A high intake of sugary or acidic foods, plus the buildup of plaque and tartar, can contribute to enamel wear.

2. Dentin

Located just beneath your enamel, dentin is a calcified tissue that provides support for the enamel and contains tubules that communicate with the nerves of your teeth. When dentin isn’t cared for properly and becomes exposed, certain things can stimulate the nerves in your teeth, causing shooting pain and sensitivity. According to our dentist in Norwell, MA, both enamel wear and receding gums can cause dentin exposure.

3. Pulp

The center layer of your teeth is called the pulp, and it is a soft tissue made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. Our Norwell dentist says the pulp maintains blood flow and helps to keep your tooth alive. Infection, tooth decay, cavities, or a crack in your tooth can cause infection of the tooth pulp and lead to other dental issues.

4. Cementum

Cementum is the calcified layer of your teeth that covers the root and sits inside the gum socket. The cementum assists in holding your teeth in place in the jaw and helps in the repair and regeneration of teeth. Receding gums can expose the roots of the tooth and lead to the cementum being worn away, thus exposing the dentin.

Protect Your Teeth with Tips from Our Norwell, MA, Dentist

Now that you know the layers of your teeth and how they work together, it’s easier to understand why maintaining a clean mouth is so important. Our dentist in Norwell, MA, stresses the importance of avoiding acidic and sugary foods, brushing and flossing your teeth daily, and getting professional cleanings twice each year. Making your teeth a priority every day will provide you with the oral health necessary to make them last a lifetime.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other dentistry-related topics, feel free to contact Luxe Smile Dentistry, with a convenient dental office near Norwell, MA, by clicking here or by calling 781.319.0070.