Dental Tissues

Dental tissue is a broad term that encompasses the structure and composition of teeth and connects dentistry to other medical fields like anatomy and pathology. It covers both soft tissues and hard tissues, and includes enamel, cementum, dentin, pulp, and periodontal ligament. Each of these components plays a role in oral health and overall wellbeing. Enamel is a hard, shiny, translucent substance that is found on the outermost layer of the tooth and helps protect the inner layers of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body and is composed mainly of calcium phosphate. Cementum is the flexible, tough, outer covering that covers the root of the tooth and helps anchor it into the jawbone. It is softer than enamel and made up of primarily calcium hydroxyapatite. Dentin is the hard tissue that is found beneath enamel and cementum and is composed primarily of minerals such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. It is much softer than enamel and helps protect the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that is found within the center of the tooth and helps to nourish the tooth. The periodontal ligament is a thin band of collagen fibers that attach and support the tooth to the jawbone. This connection helps to protect the tooth from physical and mechanical stresses. Tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria attacking the enamel, is the most common type of dental tissue damage. It can lead to cavities and even tooth loss. Dental hygienists play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and checking for signs of decay. Regular visits to the dentist are also important for keeping teeth clean and healthy.