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Parts of a Tooth
Each tooth in the mouth contains four different tissues that serve different functions.
The teeth are made up of two major parts:
The crown
The root
The crown of the tooth is what is visible in the mouth.
The root of the tooth is the portion which normally not visible in the mouth and is
inside the gum.
Within each tooth, the four different tissues that are present are enamel, dentin,
pulp and cementum.
Enamel: It makes up the protective outer surface of the crown of the tooth.
Dentin: It makes up the majority of the inner surface of the tooth. It cannot normally
be seen except on x-rays.
Pulp: This is the area inside the tooth that holds the nerves and blood vessels of the
tooth. It is in the centre of the tooth and is in both the crown and the root of the tooth.
Cementum: It makes up the outer surface of the root of the tooth. It is much softer
than enamel.
The enamel on our teeth is the hardest substance in our body.
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