You use your mouth every single day for things like eating, speaking, and breathing. But have you ever given much thought to how it actually works? Your mouth is far more complex than you might give it credit for. Each system works together perfectly to ensure you can live a happy, healthy life. Continue reading to learn what some of those parts are, what they do, and how they keep your oral health in check.
Teeth
Your teeth are the stars of the show—the most visible and recognized part of your oral anatomy. Adults typically have 32 permanent teeth, and each belongs to one of four categories. There are incisors for biting, canines for tearing, premolars for crushing, and molars for grinding.
Each tooth is also made up of three distinct layers. Enamel on the outside for protection, dentin beneath it for structure, and pulp at the core for sensitivity and pressure sensations.
Gums
The gums, or gingiva, are the soft tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth at the base. Healthy gums form a tight seal around each tooth, protecting the roots and underlying jawbone from bacteria.
Not only do they keep your teeth in place, but they also serve as a window into your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues, so when your dentist spots the signs, they can make more informed decisions.
Tongue
Your tongue is one of the most versatile muscles in your body. It’s essentially the controller that helps you chew, swallow, and speak. It’s also covered in thousands of taste buds that allow you to experience flavor.
Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Two bones make up your jaw: the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). Your mandible connects to your skull through the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which acts as a hinge and allows the jaw to open, close, and move side to side.
Saliva and Salivary Glands
Saliva is produced by three pairs of salivary glands around your mouth. Though it’s often thought of as “gross,” it serves many important functions. It neutralizes acids, helps break down food while you chew, washes away bacteria, and protects your tooth enamel.
As you can see, each structure in your mouth has a job to do to keep your smile strong and healthy. The best way you can give back is by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular preventive care. Your mouth—and your whole body—will thank you for it.
About the Author
Dr. Avni Dhaliwal has been recognized as one of Orlando’s best dentists by Orlando Magazine, and her patients know why. She earned her DDS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years. She’s also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry—a distinction held by fewer than 6% of dentists in the U.S. and Canada. Call us at (407) 335-4600 to schedule your visit today, or visit our request an appointment page to book online.
