What Are Human Teeth Made Of?

Not only do teeth give us our smile, they allow us to cut and chew food. A person generally has 32 teeth, with 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. Adults have a variety of teeth, each with a specific purpose. Teeth consist of incisors, canines, bicuspids and molars and are one of the hardest substances in the human body.

Tooth Anatomy

• A tooth consists of more than what can be visibly seen. A tooth has two core parts: the crown and the root, according to www.simplyteeth.com. The part of the tooth that we see is called the crown. The crown is composed of enamel, dentine and pulp. Roots are what secure teeth to the jaw bone. Roots contain canals that allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through them.

Enamel

• The covering of the crown is called enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. According to medical-look.com, enamel is composed of almost all calcium phosphate. Enamel contains no nerve or blood supply. If the enamel becomes chipped, the hard covering does not possess the ability to heal itself as bone can.

Dentine

• Dentine is a hard substance that makes up the majority of the tooth. The cream-colored substance is found beneath the enamel and shields the nerves and blood vessels in the crown and roots. Unlike enamel, dentine can replenish itself. If dentine becomes exposed, it becomes susceptible to hot or cold temperatures and can cause pain.

Pulp

• Pulp is protected by the dentine. Pulp, the center of the tooth, possesses blood vessels and nerves. These blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients to the tooth and keep the tooth alive. If the area of the pulp becomes infected through an injury or decay, it causes pain and an abscess will grow on the roots. The pulp area is opened and repaired during a root canal. If the root canal is unsuccessful, the tooth will have to be pulled.

Cementum

• Appropriately named, cementum is a thin calcified coating that sticks to the roots, helping to keep them in place. The bonelike material secures teeth to the jaw bone. Cementum contains no nerves and connect with tiny elastic fibers in the jaw.