Teeth are an integral part of the human body, as well as an indicator of health. Their loss leads to significant problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and the aesthetic appearance of a person deteriorates. But often the teeth are exposed to various diseases, most of all caries. Moreover, the destruction affects not only the enamel, but also the bone substance, which is the cause of intense pain.
Tooth structure
A tooth is a human organ that is located in the alveoli of the jaws and consists anatomically of a crown, root and neck, which, tapering, connects the crown with the root.
Morphologically, it consists of hard and soft tissues. Let's consider in more detail. Enamel, which is the hardest element in the human body, covers the crown, that is, the visible, part of the tooth, and beneath it is the bone tissue of the tooth. Otherwise, it is called dentin, which in its structure is quite soft and porous. Its root under the gum is covered with cement, and inside the tooth is hollow, and this void is filled with pulp, a soft tissue consisting of nerves and blood vessels. They penetrate the porous structure of dentin and reach the enamel. This is what causes increased sensitivity during sudden changes in temperature in the oral cavity, as well as when exposed to other adverse factors.
Dentine
The bone substance of the tooth makes up its main part, in the coronal region it is covered with enamel, and under the gum root has a shell of cement. Dentin is a supporting element, which is of great importance, since it performs the function of protecting the pulp from external stimuli.
The bone substance of the tooth is the second strongest in the body after enamel, despite its loose structure. For the fifth part, this fabric consists of collagen, for two-thirds - of inorganic substances, and 10% is water. If you look at dentin under a microscope, you can see that this is an intercellular substance, unevenly covered with calcareous deposits. It penetrates a huge number of dentinal tubules, which are filled with the nerve endings of the pulp.
The bone substance of the tooth is divided into three types:
- Primary dentin, which is formed before the first teething.
- Secondary, it is also called physiological, characterized by the formation after the appearance of the tooth, characterized by a chaotic arrangement of dentinal tubules and fibers, as well as their smaller number. Thus, over time, the cavity is replaced by bone material due to its thickening.
- Tertiary or substitution - formed as a result of tissue irritation, characterized by an uneven appearance with barely perceptible mineralization. Tubules in this case are most often absent.
The formation of dentin is individual in nature and depends on many factors, for example, on the abrasion of teeth or other defects in which dentin is replaced with a different degree of intensity.
Enamel
This is the hardest and strongest tissue in the human body, almost completely consisting of minerals and performing protective functions for dentin and pulp.
Its thinnest layer is located at the neck of the tooth, and the thickest - on the chewing tubercles. Enamel strength is not constant, varying from the beginning of the tooth growth cycle to its end. Thus, after teething, it is much weaker than after several years, since its mineralization is still imperfect. But over the years, the strength of the fabric is still reduced. It depends on many factors.
Also, the strength of enamel varies in different areas of the tooth. This parameter is also individual. But one feature is the same for everyone: the top layer of fabric is always the most durable, its structure is homogeneous, and porosity is negligible. The closer the enamel layer to dentin, the more loose its structure becomes, respectively, the strength decreases.
Dentin disease
Most of all, the bone substance of a tooth is susceptible to such ailment as tooth decay. If the damage affected only the dentin and tooth enamel, the disease is classified as secondary, with the destruction of the root its deep form is observed. It all starts with damage to the surface tissues, the appearance of carious cavities, which are filled with food debris, which contributes to the beginning of decay processes and further tooth decay.
The lesion site causes significant discomfort, responding with acute pain in response to various stimuli, but it is worth stopping their contact with the sore spot, as the pain disappears. This is the reason for visiting the dentist as soon as possible and fixing the problem. Otherwise, caries will reach the root of the tooth in a fairly short time, after which there is a high probability of losing it.
In order to maintain dental health for as long as possible, it is necessary to observe oral hygiene, eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and also have to be regularly examined by a dentist to identify possible tissue damage at an early stage, preventing their destruction.