Body Parts:
Teeth
Teeth are located in the head where
they line the upper and lower jaws. Although they are
made of bone, they are considered part of the digestive
system. Only part of the tooth is visible: it is seen
above the soft tissue "gum", which is a very delicate,
sensitive lining. The other major part: the root, is
(invisible) below the gum line and has two or four
"legs". These are hollow spaces, but filled with nerves,
blood vessels, and other soft tissue called pulp.
The purpose of teeth is to get food
ready for digestion. Saliva is mixed with the pieces of
cut up or ground up food and the enzymes in this fluid
(saliva) start the digestive process.
Teeth can present two main problems:
dental cavities (caries), which are usually small holes
in the bone itself. The other main problem has to do
with the nerves, blood vessels, and / or pulp. This is a
very real and unpleasant painful experience. Because
this area is very confined, the inflammatory process
(the body's attempt to get rid of the invader) may
affect other areas. In order to remove the offending
problems, a root canal may be done. This removes or
kills the nerve to alleviate the pain. However
sometimes, not all the infected tissue can be removed
and it subsequently can cause more problems. Areas such
as the inner ear and sinuses, because of their close
proximity, can be affected. Special procedures, such as
cavitation, are now being researched and performed by
specially trained dentists.
It is vitally important that teeth and
dentures (false teeth) are given special care and
attention. They are the first link in the digestive
process and if they are not cared for, other problems
can easily follow throughout the entire digestive
system. You should preserve your own teeth for as long
as possible.
May 19 / 02
Karin.
If you would like more
information on this topic, or if you would like to know
if we could help you get some relief, please
use
this link to ask your health question or
request more information on getting some help.
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Karin Henderson British Columbia, Canada (604) 463 8666
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