Our mouths allow us to eat our favorite foods, go out for drinks with friends, and communicate with loved ones. As important as the mouth is to normal bodily functions, have you ever wondered what the different parts of it are and what they do? The mouth is made up of more components than you might think. Read on to learn more about the parts of the mouth in Greenfield and how they work together.
Tongue
The tongue is incredibly strong and made up of eight different muscles that intertwine with each other. It consists of approximately 10,000 taste buds that are replaced every 2 weeks or so. Your tongue helps you speak, eat, swallow, and taste all the foods the world has to offer.
Teeth
The teeth maintain your facial shape and allow you to tear and chew your food. There are four types of teeth, including:
- Incisors – These are the front eight teeth (four on the bottom and four on the top) in the mouth that are most visible.
- Canines –These are the four sharpest teeth in the mouth, and they allow you to rip and tear food apart.
- Premolars – Also called bicuspids, these are located next to the canines. There are eight in total (four on the top and four on the bottom), and they let you chew and grind up food.
- Molars –The primary function of molars is to chew and grind food. There are 12 molars, four of which are third molars, or wisdom teeth.
Gums
The gums hold your teeth in place and protect the tooth roots. The gums play a big part in keeping your teeth in place, but the alveolar bone, which is part of the jaw, is what actually holds your teeth in your mouth.
Lips and Cheeks
The lips and cheeks are made of skin, connective tissue, and muscles. They help hold your teeth in place, keep food and saliva from falling out, let you breathe and speak comfortably, and allow you to make facial expressions.
Salivary Glands
The salivary glands produce saliva and drain it into your mouth through openings called ducts. Saliva keeps the mouth from drying out and helps wash away bacteria and food. Saliva also neutralizes acids in the mouth to protect your enamel and lets you chew, swallow, and talk with ease.
Temporomandibular Joints
These joints are located between the temporal bone and the lower jaw. They connect to your skull and allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, swallow, and speak.
To keep the many parts of the mouth functioning properly, make sure to maintain good oral health. Show your appreciation for all that your mouth does by brushing and flossing your way to a healthy, happy smile!
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Treatment Center offers numerous treatments to help you maintain exceptional dental health and keep your mouth functioning properly. They understand the importance of good oral hygiene and how the different parts of the mouth in Greenfield work together to let you enjoy your life (and your food) to the fullest. To make an appointment or for more information on the different parts of the mouth, call visit Advanced Dental Treatment Center’s website or call their office at (414) 209-7463.