Teeth are essential for everyday function, but most of us don’t give them a second thought until they become a problem. Although they’re small, our teeth perform some big tasks! They allow us to eat the foods we love, help us pronounce words correctly, and give our face its shape. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at teeth: what they’re made of, how they develop, and why taking care of them is so important.

What Are Teeth Made Of?

The strength and durability of your teeth come from the fact that they’re not one solid piece. Each tooth comprises four tissues: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp.

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your tooth from wear and tear. It’s the hardest tissue in your body! Cementum is a hard tissue that covers the root of your tooth. Dentin is a yellowish bone-like tissue that makes up most of your tooth’s structure. Pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves. Together, these four tissues work to keep your teeth healthy and functioning properly.

How Do Teeth Develop?

Our teeth start to develop before we’re born. The process begins when the baby (primary) teeth start to form in the womb. By age 3, all 20 primary teeth should have come through. Around age six or seven, our primary teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by our permanent teeth. By the time we’re 21 years old, we should have all 32 of our permanent teeth.

Taking Care of Baby Teeth

Taking care of baby teeth is important even though they eventually fall out. Baby teeth play an essential role in chewing food and speaking, and they also help to maintain space for adult teeth and provide guidance for them as they erupt.

You should brush baby teeth as soon as they appear. Decay in baby teeth can lead to decay in adult teeth.  Brush with a baby toothbrush and water (no toothpaste necessary). According to the ADA, your child should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts but no later than their first birthday.

What Happens if I Don’t Take Care of My Teeth?

Without proper care, teeth can become susceptible to damage and disease. Gingivitis is one such disease; it’s an inflammation of the gums that can lead to gum disease if left untreated. Gum disease is serious – it can damage your gums and the bone that supports your teeth.

Gum disease often goes unnoticed because there are no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms emerge (gum tenderness, bleeding gums), the damage is already done. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist regularly for cleanings. We recommend seeing Dr. Dewitt for a dental cleaning every six months and a checkup once a year. Doing so will help prevent gum disease before it starts – or catch it early so you can get treatment right away!                

Treat Your Teeth to a Clean

We know that going to the dentist isn’t a priority for everyone, but if it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning or checkup, call today to schedule an appointment. Don’t let your insurance benefits go to waste! For teeth cleaning in Denver, call (303) 321-5656 or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment.