The oral cavity is truly a fascinating part of the human body. With so many moving parts and functions, it’s truly amazing to see all the parts work so well together. Each part helps you perform basic functions and protect you from disease, but most of the time we don’t stop to think about it. Consider this moment to understand how these parts work in tandem with one another and why you need to make sure they’re all in good condition.
If you aren’t sure, don’t worry. Your dentist in Sapulpa will make sure to take good care of your oral health during your next visit. In the meantime, here’s more info on the many parts of the mouth.
The Lips and Cheeks
The lips and cheeks are mainly responsible for helping you make facial expressions. Whether you’re happy, sad, or angry, these parts are essential to conveying your emotions without speaking. Lips work to help you speak and allow air into your mouth, while cheeks also help you speak and keep food and saliva from falling out.
If the lips or cheeks become damaged in any way, it can affect your ability to perform these basic tasks.
The Teeth and Gums
While all parts of your mouth are important to your dentist in Sapulpa, the teeth and gums might just be the most important. Obviously, your teeth are responsible for letting you chew foods and smile, while your gums act as a home for your teeth. Your teeth consist of a hard enamel crown and roots that anchor into the gums, while your gums protect your tooth’s roots from decay. Without this protection, your teeth could easily become infected to the many colonies of bacteria in your mouth.
The Tongue
Did you know that your tongue and mouth have 10,000 taste buds that help you taste sweet, salty, savory, and bitter flavors from foods? Your tongue works in tandem with your teeth and cheeks to facilitate functions like chewing, swallowing, and speaking, so it’s important that you remember to brush your tongue after cleaning your teeth. This prevents these sensory receptors from being negatively affected by accumulated bacteria.
The Salivary Glands and Alveolar Bone
The six salivary glands are responsible for producing a very important substance known as saliva, which mostly consists of water. However, saliva is also responsible in helping your tongue and teeth break down food for digestion. It also works to wash bacteria from your teeth and gums, prevent cavities, and stop gum disease. The lesser known alveolar bone surrounds your tooth roots and works to stabilize the teeth in your mouth.
In one great symphony, the parts of your mouth do amazing things to let you perform tasks you wouldn’t otherwise think about. Without taking good care of them, these functions can easily be interrupted. Schedule a visit with your dentist in Glenpool today to learn more about oral anatomy and receive your regular dental exam and cleaning!
About the Author
Dr. Parnam Mohanna has undergone extensive training on many dental treatments, including wisdom tooth and general extractions, root canal therapy, dental implants, and more. Even with over 26 years in the dental industry, he believes there’s always room to learn and improve his skills. To schedule an appointment with your dentist in Sapulpa or ask him questions about the practice, contact him at (918) 216-1000 or visit his website.