Each tooth has several distinct parts; here is an overview of each part:

Each tooth has several distinct parts; here is an overview of each part:

Enamel – this is the outer and hardest part of the tooth that has the most mineralized tissue in the body. It can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.

Dentin – this is the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay makes it through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin — where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.

Pulp – this is the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are located. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain and may require a root canal procedure.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of teeth in an average mouth:

Incisors – the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.

Canines – sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing and grasping food.

Premolars – these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing food.

Molars – used for grinding and chewing food, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface to help in this process.