Although it’s a single entity when it comes to your body, your mouth is comprised of many different but equally important parts. These unique pieces all play a unique role in helping you do things like eat, speak, breathe, smile, laugh and even sneeze. Here’s a closer look at the five main components that make up the mouth, and why it’s so important to care for them all with excellent oral hygiene!
The Salivary Glands
The mouth contains a total of six salivary glands. Two which overlap the jaw near the ear, two are located underneath the jaw, and two are housed below the tongue. Your saliva is made up of water, protein, and minerals, all of which help the body digest food. It also benefits your oral health by neutralizing and rinsing away plaque acids caused by dangerous oral bacteria, and keeps your mouth hydrated.
The Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks play a vital role in making facial expressions as well as keeping your saliva and food inside your mouth while you eat and enabling you to take in air when you breathe.
The Teeth, Gums, and Alveolar Bone
Your teeth are made of several important layers, the outermost being the enamel which keeps teeth strong and helps you chew, and the dentin which houses the delicate nerves that keep them alive. They are held in place in the alveolar bone with a little help from your gums to keep the roots safe from bacteria and plaque.
The Tongue
Your tongue is not only home to around 10,000 tastebuds, but it also is necessary to speak, and eat, and works tirelessly to push saliva down your throat whether you’re consciously aware of it or not!
The Masseter Muscle
Regardless of how much you can bench, the strongest muscle in your body can’t be improved by hitting the gym. It’s your masseter, which runs from the back of your mouth to the lower jaw. This muscle gives your mouth the ability to open and close, and has a biteforce of around 200 pounds!
Working Together: The Importance of Preventive Oral Health Care
Now that you know all the main components of the mouth, it’s important to understand how to care for them so they continue to keep you healthy and strong for a lifetime. The best way to protect your teeth and gums is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for your regular preventive exams and cleanings. At these visits, your dental team won’t just get your teeth looking whiter and brighter, they will also screen all the major parts of your mouth for a variety of harmful conditions like cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and TMJ disorders and oral cancer.
So, protect your oral and overall health and schedule your regular preventive dental exam and cleaning with your dentist today!
About Dr. Ghandi
Dr. Khushboo Ghandi earned her first dental degree in India in 2006 before moving to the United States. In 2011, she entered the Advanced Education program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and following graduation put down permanent roots right here in Murphy. She continues to stay current on her dental education by taking classes at Baylor College of Dentistry and Spear Education, and is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Texas Dental Association. To schedule your preventive dental checkup and cleaning at Murphy Dental Home, visit our website or call us today at 972-449-5120.