Human teeth are something that everyone deals with, a vital part of daily human life.  They are a complex part of the body possessed by most vertebrates.  A healthy set of teeth is essential to the overall health of a human being.

Teeth are calcified and rooted to the jaw. They are designed to allow humans to tear, bite, and chew the various foods found in the omnivorous diet.  There are different types of teeth in each mouth, with each serving a different purpose.  For example, canine teeth aid in the ripping of food, while molars are used for thorough chewing.

Mammals, including humans, go through two sets of teeth in their lifetimes.  The first set, commonly known as baby teeth, is the primary set, followed by the permanent set, or adult teeth.  The primary teeth usually erupt when a baby is about six months of age, and this can be a very painful process.

Human teeth are made up of dentin, enamel, cementum, and pulp.  Dentin is located between the enamel or cementum and the pulp.  It is a substance that is secreted by the pulp, and is yellowish in color.  It is a weak substance and can decay quickly, but is still useful in protecting the tooth.  Enamel is a very hard substance that is mineral in makeup.  Enamel is usually visible and can vary in color from yellow to blue tones.  Cementum is a bone-like substance that encases a tooth’s root.  It is manufactured in the tooth root and is softer than dentin and enamel. A tooth’s pulp is located in the center of the tooth and is made up of connective tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels.

Regular dental care is essential to tooth health.  It is recommended that most people see their dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.