Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Tooth Enamel'

 Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation 

Today's word is " Tooth Enamel" 

Tooth Enamel :Our Smile's Invisible Guard.

Definition :

Tooth enamel forms a protective covering of variable thickness over the entire surface of the crown.

Composition of Tooth Enamel :

• The  enamel consists mainly of inorganic material (96%) & only a small amount of organic substance & water (4%). 

• The inorganic material of the enamel is hydroxyapatite. It's chemical formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂.
• The organic material consists of some unique proteins and lipids .
• The proteins found in the enamel are of 2 main groups - The amelogenins & non-amelogenins.

Structure of Tooth Enamel :

The enamel is composed of enamel rods or prisms ,rod sheaths a cementing interprismatic substance. This unique structure contributes to its exceptional strength & durability.

 

A decalcified section of enamel from a human tooth germ shows rods cut transversely, resembling the appearance of fish scales.

Function of Tooth Enamel :

1. Protection : Tooth enamel is to protect the underlying dentin & pulp from physical & chemical damage.

2. Barrier against Bacteria & Acids : It prevents entry of bacteria and acids from eroding the inner tooth structure.

3. Decay prevention : 

Enamel prevents tooth cavities due to its hard and durable nature.

4. Temperature Regulation : 

Enamel insulating the teeth from extreme temperature and protecting the inner layers from sensitivity.

Properties of Tooth Enamel:

A. Translucent : It allowing the colour of the dentin beneath to show through.

B. Hardness : Tooth enamel is harder than bone.

C. Brittleness : Despite it's hardness ,enamel is brittle and can chip or crack under excessive force.

Development of Tooth Enamel :

• Enamel formation begins at the early crown stage of tooth development & is carried out by specialized cells called ameloblasts.
• These cells produce an enamel matrix, which then mineralizes and hardens.
• Unlike other tissues, enamel cannot regenerate once damaged because ameloblasts undergo apoptosis after the formation of enamel.

Care & Maintenance of Tooth Enamel :

1. Oral hygiene practices :

Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss is help to remove plaque and prevent decay.

2. Limit sugary & acidic foods : 

These can erode enamel over time .

3. Regular Dental check-ups :

Professional cleaning and check-ups can catch early signs of enamel breakdown or erosion.

Potential Problems Faced by Tooth Enamel :

1. Erosion

2. Abrasion

3. Attrition 

4. Demineralization of tooth enamel.

Restorative treatment :

Fluoride Application : Strengthens the remaining enamel and help to resist decay.

Restorative Dentistry:

Crowns,veneers and bonding can restore function and appearance when enamel loss is severe.

Conclusion:

Tooth enamel is vital for protecting your smile from decay and damage. By understanding its importance and caring for it properly, you can ensure a healthy, bright smile for a lifetime.Prioritize good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups to keep your enamel strong and your teeth shining.

References :

1.Orban's Oral Histology and Embryology G. S. Kumar

Elsevier India, 15 Jul 2011

2.Image credit : Stock.adobe.com

3.Image credit : www.freepik.com

Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Dental Roots'

 

Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation 

Today's word is "Dental Roots"

'Deep Journey into Dental Roots: The Underground Warriors of Our Teeth'

Definition:

Dental roots refers to the anatomical area of teeth usually covered by cementum.

Anatomical features of normal tooth root : 

Anatomical Root : 

The part of the tooth covered by cementum is called as anatomical root.

Clinical Root : 

The part of the tooth root not visible in the mouth, is called as clinical root.

Structure of dental roots:

1. Cementum : The calcified substance that covers the dentin of the anatomical root.

2. Dentin : Dentin forms the bulk of the tooth's root structure lying beneath the cementum

3.Root Canal/Pulp Canal :

That portion of the pulp cavity which is located in roots of the tooth .

4.Periodontal ligament:

The fibrous connection between the tooth cementum and the alveolar bone.

Function of dental roots:

1. Support  & Stability :
Roots act as anchoring units during chewing and biting.

2. Nutrient supply :

The root canal allows blood vessels & nerves to supply nutrients & sensory function.

Potential Problems With Dental Roots : 

1.Root cavities 

2. A root canal infection can lead to periapical infection

3.Root resorption 

4.Tooth mobility :

Due to advanced periodontal disease can cause roots to become exposed ,leading to sensitivity,mobility.

 👀Interesting facts :

• Most teeth have 1 to 3 roots but number and shape can vary .

• Some people may  have extra roots known as supernumery roots which complicate dental treatment.

Conclusion:

Dental roots are the neglected heroes of our teeth, which provide support,stabilty and sensory function. Understanding their importance emphasizes the need for proper oral care. By caring for these essential structure,you ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life long.

Reference :

1.Concise dental anatomy and morphology. by: Fuller, James L (4th edition-2001).

Dentoword : Today's Word is ' Dental Crown'

 Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation 

Today's word is " Dental Crown "

Definition :

Crown refers to the anatomical area of teeth, usually covered by enamel (Natural). 

                                                  OR

Crown also refers to a dental cap, which is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant (Artificial).

Anatomical features of a normal tooth crown :

• Anatomical crown : That portion of the tooth which is covered by enamel.

• Clinical crown : That portion of the tooth which is visible in the mouth.

Structures of a natural dental crown :

• Enamel : The hard tissue which covers the dentin of the anatomical crown.

• Dentin: The hard tissue which forms the main body of the tooth
• Pulp : The living soft tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a vital tooth.

In today's blog,  I'll provide a brief introduction to the above-mentioned three terms. We are going to discuss these terms in detail in further blogs.

Functions of natural dental crown: 

1.Mastication - Chewing

2.Esthetics - Apperance 

3.Phonetics - Speech

4.Protection - Protects inner structure of tooth

Potential problems faced by crown in human oral cavity:

1.Tooth Cavities 

2.Crack lines and Fracture

3.Abrasion 

4.Attrition 

5.Erosion

Clinical significance of dental crown:

A. Maintaing oral health : Protects inner tooth structures from decay.

B. Restoration and Repair : 

• Damaged natural crowns can often repaired with fillings ,inlays, onlays and artificial dental crowns.
• Artificial dental crowns are made up of various materials .for e.g. Metal crowns,Porcelain fused to metal(PFM),All ceramic, zirconia crowns,resin crowns.

C. Aesthetic and Functional importance: 

Ensures effective chewing and speaking and healthy crowns contribute to a confident and attractive smile.

Conclusion:

Understanding and maintaining the health of your natural dental crowns is vital for overall dental helath. By practicing good oral hygiene,eating a tooth friendly diet and visiting your dentist regularly,you can ensure your natural crowns remain strong and healthy for a long time.

Reference:

1.Concise dental anatomy and morphology. by: Fuller, James L (4th edition-2001).

2.Image credit : www.freepik.com.

Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Dentition'

Welcome to Dentoword:
Learn Your Dental Terms with Detailed Explanation 

Today's word is "Dentition"           

Definition :

Dentition refers to the arrangement, type, and number of teeth in a particular human individual or animal. In humans, it encompasses both the primary teeth and permanent teeth.

Sets of Teeth :

Primary or Deciduous Dentition :

They are also called milk teeth or baby teeth. The term 'deciduous' means not permanent, transitory. This set includes 20 teeth that begin to erupt around 6 months of age, and a child would have his or her complete set of primary teeth by 2.5 to 3 yrs.

Secondary or Permanent Dentition:

They are also called succedaneous teeth or adult teeth. This set includes 32 teeth that replace primary teeth and begin to erupt around 6 years of age. The eruption process is completed by 12-13 years, except for the third molars.

Class and Types of Teeth:

• Incisors - Central incisors, lateral incisor
• Canine
• Premolars - 1st &2nd Premolars
• Molars - 1st molars, 2nd molars, 3rd molars.

Stages of Dentition in human:

• Deciduous dentition period(6 months to 6 yrs)
• Mixed (transitional) dentition period (6 to 12 yrs)
• Permanent dentition period  (12 yrs beyond)

 Importance of Dentition

 The importance of dentition is crucial for several reasons affecting both oral and systemic health:

1. Chewing:Properly aligned teeth help in chewing food into smaller pieces, aiding in digestion.
2. Speech: Properly aligned and spaced teeth play a significant role in speech.
3. Aesthetics: Well-aligned teeth contribute to a beautiful social smile..
4. Oral and systemic health: Proper alignment and spacing of teeth help in maintaining oral hygiene. A healthy dentition is essential for overall well-being.

👀Interesting fact: 

Did you know that the patterns of dentition are unique to each individual, much like fingerprints? It can be used in forensic odontology to identify individuals with the help of their previous dental records.

Reference:

 1.Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion (First South Asian Edition-2015). Elsevier.

2. Image credit: www.freepik.com.

Dentoword : Introduction

 

Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn Your Dental Terms with Detailed Explanation 

Have you ever come across dental terms you don't know? You're not alone. Welcome to Dentoword, your daily guide to help you learn dental terms with detailed explanations in simple language, making it easy to understand each term, one word at a time.

The purpose of this blog is to help everyone understand the easy to toughest terminology of dentistry. This blog will assist you in comprehending the meaning, usage, and significance of words in dentistry. Each day, I'll introduce a single word along with its meaning and, wherever possible with practical examples.

My name is Sapna Gund, and I am a budding dentist with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from Nair Hospital Dental College. I have a passion for making dental knowledge accessible to everyone.

I came up with this idea while studying my dental entrance books for postgraduate preparation. I realized there wasn't a specific dental dictionary available on Google that helped me understand difficult dental terms I hadn't encountered during my undergraduate studies. So, I decided to open a blog that explains dental terms not only for dental students but also for professionals or anyone interested in dental health.

I invite you to join me on this journey and never get lost in searching for the meaning of dental terms on Google. Dive into Dentoword and start your journey with me to becoming an expert in dental terms. Your feedback, comments, and questions, along with active participation, are important to me. Stay tuned for your daily dose of different terminology, and let's make dentistry easy, one word at a time!!

Reference :

Image credit: www.freepik.com.