Under the Enamel

The enamel is the hard outer covering of each tooth.  The enamel protects the tooth from the wear and tear of chewing and is part of your tooth that you brush and floss each day.  However, under the enamel are other parts of the tooth, and each part fills an important role in the function of the mouth.Just below the enamel is the dentin.  The dentin is a yellow bone-like material and is not as hard as the enamel.  The dentin is more susceptible to decay and contains nerve fibers that can alert you when something is going wrong.  Under the dentin is the pulp chamber.  The tissue in this area holds the blood and nerves that nourish the tooth and send signals to your brain.  The root canal of the tooth is the chamber in which the nerves are located and where nutrients and blood are supplied to the tooth.  The root is surrounded by bone and held in place by ligaments and fibers.  If decay is allowed to reach the dentin it can rapidly spread to the pulp causing infection and swelling.  Fluoride treatments, good home-care, and regular dental check-ups can help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.