The Structure of the Buccal Cavity or “Mouth”
The Oral Mucosa
Every part of the buccal cavity is covered in a layer of oral mucosa. Oral mucosa is a protective layer of lining that made of a mucous membrane and keratin. This layer protects the buccal cavity and helps to defend the body from being invaded by harmful bacteria, germs, and parasites.
The Gingivae or “Gums”
The buccal cavity is more than teeth and by understanding the structure of the buccal cavity, one can learn how to care for one’s oral hygiene appropriately. The gums are the pink tissue that holds and not only support the part of the tooth that is visible, but also the root of the tooth. Many dental health professionals strongly advise flossing as a way to help prevent gum
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Dentin is the second hardest mineralized substance, contains living tissue, and contains a plethora of nerves that connect down into the root of the tooth and jaw bone. Pulp is underneath the protective layer of dentin, is located in the center of the tooth, and is composed of soft connective tissue that has a complex bundle of nerves. The cementum is the layer of connective tissue that acts like glue and holds the roots of teeth in the gums and jawbone, but not to be confused with the periodontal ligament. This ligament is also tissue, but it holds the teeth themselves against the jaw bone. The final segment of the tooth is the root. The root is the base for stability of teeth and can vary on number of roots for different teeth based on their function. Roots derive to the jaw bone and contain nerve endings and blood vessels.
The Structure and Function of Teeth
Humans are given two sets of teeth in their lifetime: the primary dentition and the secondary dentition. The primary dentition are commonly known as the “baby teeth” and are fugacious. The deciduous set of teeth are formed around six months and begin to fall out around age six. After these teeth fall out, the secondary dentition begin to show. This set is commonly known as “permanent” teeth. The human adult has thirty-two teeth which are divided up into four (five for including wisdom teeth) types of teeth.
Wisdom