Did you know the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning? This allows your provider to monitor your dental condition to catch and treat areas of concern, such as cavities or gum disease, before they can progress.
You might feel tempted to skip appointments if you don’t see immediate issues in your teeth, but your oral health involves more than your enamel. Continue reading to learn about the different parts of your mouth and how they function so you can better recognize potential problems in time to get help!
What Are the Parts of My Mouth?
If you’re like many others, you might not be familiar enough with the anatomy of your mouth and how the different parts work together to seek help when there’s an issue. Continue reading below to learn more about typical oral anatomy so you can better recognize when you need your dentist’s assistance.
Gums
Your connective tissues are responsible for holding your teeth in place and protect the roots from sustaining damage or decay. Unfortunately, if bacteria in your mouth form plaque along your gumline, you can develop gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. If this is left untreated, the infection can progress into periodontitis, which causes receding gums and is the number one leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Thankfully, brushing and flossing twice daily can prevent this.
Jawbone
Your alveolar bone provides the foundational structure that gives your mouth its shape and supports your facial structure. It also holds your teeth in place. It can be negatively affected if cavities and periodontal disease are left untreated and spread to your jaw.
Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks contain strong muscles that help you express feelings, kiss, speak, bite, chew, and breathe. They envelop your mouth and help contain food and saliva in your oral cavity, and also act as a guide to help ensure that your teeth and gums remain in their rightful places.
Salivary Glands
You have glands in your face and mouth that secrete saliva to keep your oral cavity wet. This helps disinfect your mouth by rinsing away germs, counteracting acidic damage to your enamel, and moistening food so it can be more easily mashed, swallowed, and digested.
Teeth
Your teeth are situated in sockets and anchored by your gums and other tissues and ligaments. The outermost layer, enamel, is the hardest substance produced by the human body, and it helps protect the softer underlayer, dentin, and the tender roots within the pulp.
Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can erode your teeth, resulting in cavities that can spread if left unaddressed. Implementing a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine and visiting your dentist for routine appointments can help avoid this.
Now that you understand more about how your mouth is intended to function, it’ll be easier to spot potential problems that might require your dentist’s attention!
About the Practice
Patients with Columbus Dental Arts benefit from two dentists eager to help them improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. Dr. Fraser and Dr. Wolf collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, meeting you and your family’s dental needs conveniently under one roof. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate solutions that protect and preserve your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (609) 324-9500.