Tooth Anatomy: Diagram, Structure And Function, Related Condition

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Tooth Anatomy

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst on May 15, 2018

Structure and function
Symptoms of a tooth condition
Health tips

Types of teeth

Most people start off adulthood with 32 teeth, not including the wisdom teeth. There are four types of teeth, and each plays an important role in how you eat, drink, and speak.

The different types include:

Incisors. These are the chisel-shaped teeth that help you cut up food.
Canines. These pointy teeth allow you to tear and grasp food.
Premolars. The two points on each premolar help you crush and tear food.
Molars. Multiple points on the top surface of these teeth help you chew and grind food.

Read on to learn more about the anatomy and structure of your teeth and conditions that can affect your teeth. We’ll also provide some dental health tips.

Structure and function

Root

The root is the part of the tooth that extends into the bone and holds the tooth in place. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the tooth.

It’s made up of several parts:

Root canal. The root canal is a passageway that contains pulp.
Cementum. Also called cement, this bone-like material covers the tooth’s root. It’s connected to the periodontal ligament.
Periodontal ligament. The periodontal ligament is made of connective tissue and collagen fiber. It contains both nerves and blood vessels. Along with the cementum, the periodontal ligament connects the teeth to the tooth sockets.
Nerves and blood vessels. Blood vessels supply the periodontal ligament with nutrients, while nerves help control the amount of force used when you chew.
Jaw bone. The jaw bone, also called the alveolar bone, is the bone that contains the tooth sockets and surrounds the teeth’s roots; it holds the teeth in place.

Neck

The neck, also called the dental cervix, sits between the crown and root. It forms the line where the cementum (that covers the root) meets the enamel.

It has three main parts:

Gums. Gums, also called gingiva, are the fleshy, pink connective tissue that’s attached to the neck of the tooth and the cementum.
Pulp. Pulp is the innermost portion of the tooth. It’s made of tiny blood vessels and nerve tissue.
Pulp cavity. The pulp cavity, sometimes called the pulp chamber, is the space inside the crown that contains the pulp.

Crown

The crown of a tooth is the portion of the tooth that’s visible.

It contains three parts:

Anatomical crown. This is the top portion of a tooth. It’s usually the only part of a tooth that you can see.
Enamel. This is the outermost layer of a tooth. As the hardest tissue in your body, it helps to protect teeth from bacteria. It also provides strength so your teeth can withstand pressure from chewing.
Dentin. Dentin is a layer of mineralized tissue just below the enamel. It extends from the crown down through the neck and root. It protects teeth from heat and cold.

Common tooth conditions

Your teeth perform many functions on a daily basis, which makes them susceptible to a variety of conditions.

Cavities

Tooth cavities are small holes caused by a buildup of bacteria and acid on the surface of a tooth. Left untreated, they can grow deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp. Cavities can cause pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and may lead to infection or tooth loss.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis refers to inflammation of the pulp, often due to an untreated cavity. The main symptoms are extreme pain and sensitivity in the affected tooth. It can eventually lead to an infection, causing an abscess in the root of the tooth.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is sometimes called gum disease. It’s an infection of the gums. Common symptoms include red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums. It can also cause bad breath, pain, sensitivity, and loose teeth. Smoking, certain medications, and poor oral health increase your risk of gum disease.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth. This can cause crowding, underbites, or overbites. It’s often hereditary, but thumb-sucking, long-term use of a pacifier or bottles, impacted or missing teeth, and poorly fitting dental appliances can also cause it. Malocclusion can usually be corrected with braces.

Bruxism

Bruxism refers to grinding or clenching your teeth. People with bruxism are often unaware that they have it, and many people only do it when sleeping. Over time, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel, leading to damage and even tooth loss. It can also cause tooth, jaw, and ear pain. Depending on the severity, it can also damage your jaw and prevent it from opening and closing properly.

Abscess

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause tooth pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or neck. Other symptoms of an abscess include tooth sensitivity, fever, swollen or tender lymph nodes, and swelling in your cheeks or face. See a dentist or doctor right away if you think you have a tooth abscess. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your sinuses or brain.

Tooth erosion

Tooth erosion is the breakdown and loss of enamel caused by acid or friction. Acidic foods and drinks, can cause it. Stomach acid from gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux, can also cause it. In addition, long-term dry mouth can also cause friction, leading to tooth erosion. Common signs of tooth erosion include pain, sensitivity, and discoloration.

Tooth impaction

Tooth impaction happens when there isn’t enough space for a new tooth to emerge, usually due to overcrowding. It’s common in wisdom teeth, but it can also occur when a baby tooth falls out before the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Symptoms of a tooth condition

Tooth conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, and not all of them are obvious.

Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:

tooth pain
jaw pain
ear pain
sensitivity to heat and cold
pain trigged by sweet foods and beverages
persistent bad breath
tender or swollen gums
red gums
bleeding gums
loose teeth
discolored teeth
fever

Tips for healthy teeth

You can avoid many tooth conditions by taking care of your teeth. Follow these tips to keep your teeth strong and healthy:

brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste
floss between your teeth once a day
replace your toothbrush every three months
go in for professional dental cleanings every six months
limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks
if you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Gum disease. (2018).https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Tooth abscess.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
Oral health. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-health
Taking care of your teeth and mouth. (2016).https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
Tooth. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/%20t/tooth
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Ubertalli JT. (n.d.). Overview of tooth disorders.https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/tooth-disorders/overview-of-tooth-disorders

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Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst on May 15, 2018

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