Brief Description of Human Teeth

Your teeth are like trees, according to Simple Steps Dental. For instance, the roots are in your gum and jawbone and are not visible. Your teeth have many layers that each perform a specific function.

Number of Teeth

• You have 32 teeth which allow you to chew food.

Outer Layer

• You see this part of your teeth. The outer layer is known as the crown and is made of a hard substance called enamel. The enamel is a shell which protects the inside of your teeth.

Inside

• Your teeth have dentin underneath the enamel which is a softer layer of material. Dentin is the largest part of your teeth and protects the pulp, according to Kids' Health.

Middle

• In the middle of your teeth is pulp, which contains your nerves and blood vessels. The pulp actually goes to your cementum which is the root of your teeth.

Nerves

• The apical foramen is the tiny opening at the end of each root, according to Simple Steps Dental. The apical foramen allows the blood vessels and nerves to enter your teeth from your jawbone.