As a result, the body receives all the necessary minerals, nutrients, or energy for its functioning.
Being one of the most crucial parts of the body, you need to get a clear idea about your teeth and each of their parts. Knowing about the teeth and their parts helps us take the best care of them.
What do teeth look like from the inside?
Our teeth have various parts of components. Each of your teeth is composed of four layers, including:
- Enamel The enamel is the tooth’s visible outermost layer of protection. Your tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in your body.
- Dentin The middle layer of dentin protects the inner substance and supports the enamel.
- Tooth pulp Another most superficial stratum, containing nerves and blood vessels.
- Cementum This tough layer protects and coats the tooth root beneath the gums.
The tooth dentin is safeguarded by the tougher outer layers. However, if your tooth is damaged or decayed, the tooth dentin can become exposed.
In this article, we’ll explore what tooth pulp is and the conditions that can affect this innermost portion of your tooth.
What is Dental pulp?
The dental pulp, or tooth pulp, is the living or active part of the teeth. It comprises a jelly-like component of blood vessels, nerves, specialized cells, and connective tissues. The primary function of the tooth pulp is to create denim and offer our teeth the necessary nutrition.
What are the functions of dental pulp?
The primary function of the dental pulp is to create dentin and provide the teeth with essential nutrients. Besides, the dental pulp assists in keeping the dentin layer healthy. It does so by offering it moisture and other necessary nutrients. These nutrients include albumin and fibrinogen.
Nerves in the dental pulp help protect by enabling you to sense any damage to your teeth. Additionally, it allows you to feel any changes in pressure or temperature. The dental pulp is the teeth’s only component comprising blood vessels and nerves. Therefore, any damage to the dental pulp indicates that the teeth will no longer have their nerve and blood supply.
What is a pulp chamber?
The pulp of the tooth is located in the porous interior of the tooth. This hollowed-out area consists of the pulp chamber and the root canal. The pulp chamber is the hollowed-out space in the tooth’s body or crown, and the root canal is the portion that extends down the root.
What does tooth pulp constitute?
The Dental pulp takes the shape of a tooth and consists of nerves, blood vessels, fibroblasts, Odontoblasts, Mast cells, Histiocytes, Macrophages, and Plasma cells. It has three fundamental parts – pulp chamber, pulp horns, and radicular canals.
Do you know why your dental pulp is reddish-pink? It is due to the presence of these nerves and blood vessels.
What happens if a tooth's interior is exposed?
Cavities, fissures, and other traumas can expose the dentin of a tooth. A tooth with exposed dentin is susceptible to infection. If left untreated, this infection can travel to other areas of the pharynx and body.
Now if you want to know how this tooth infection occurs, then here’s a brief for you:
When a tooth’s pulp becomes exposed, oral bacteria invade the pulp. This causes inflammation of the tooth interior, and you may experience the worst tooth pain.
As the infection worsens, the dentin of your tooth may perish. Additionally, the condition may travel to other areas of the mandible and jaw.
What symptoms indicate tooth pulp issues?
Pulpitis is a common pulp condition. However, there are several other pulp conditions as well. Depending on the severity of your situation, the symptoms can be different. However, one of the most common symptoms includes inflammation, sensitivity to sweet foods, and increased sensitivity to cold and hot substances.
Other symptoms indicate that you may have specific dental severe pulp concerns. These symptoms include bad breath, fever, swelling around the cheek area, dental abscess or pus, and swollen lymph nodes. Noticing such signs must be followed by an appointment with a dentist. The faster the diagnosis, the better it is for the treatment procedure and time.
What are the different ways we can protect our teeth from dental pulp issues?
The following are the beneficial and straightforward ways to take good care of dental pulp. Adhering to these ways, you can effectively prevent dental pulp concerns.
It is imperative to brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is equally important to use a soft-bristled brush for brushing your teeth.
Try to use fluoride toothpaste.
Brush every tooth on all sides every time you brush your teeth.
Flossing is also equally imperative in your brushing routine, and once a day is adequate in number.
Drinking an appropriate amount of water everyday.
Try to use a mouthguard at nighttime if you are likely to grind your teeth while asleep.
Visit your dentist yearly and check your teeth for dental cleaning.
Final Words
Specific dental pulp issues, such as pulpitis, necrosis, dental pulp calcification, and others, can be pretty dangerous for the dental pulp and, thus, your teeth. Therefore, you must take the best care of your tooth pulp. When you ensure that your dental pulp is healthy, you are automatically assured that your teeth will also be in their best condition, supplied with the necessary nutrients, nerves, and blood vessels.
