Most think of the mouth as simply a means to eat, drink and speak, but it is a lot more complex than that. The mouth has many different components that work together so seamlessly that you may not even be aware of their many functions. Below, you’ll learn what 5 parts of the mouth do and why good oral care is needed to allow them to perform their duties properly.
Teeth, Gums and Alveolar Bone
The main task your teeth have is to tear and chew food into tiny pieces for your body to digest, but they also shape your face and help you to pronounce words and sounds. Your teeth are protected by enamel, the hardest material in your body, and are rooted into your alveolar bone. This bone stabilizes them while your gums help to hold them in place and protect their roots from decay.
Tongue
Your tongue is one of the hardest working muscles in your body. It is made up of groups of muscles and is always working, just like the heart. Even when you sleep, the tongue constantly pushes saliva down your throat. It also helps you to eat, speak, swallow and taste. Inside your mouth, you have about 10,000 taste buds that allow you to distinguish between salty, sweet, savory and bitter flavors.
Masseter Muscle
The masseter is the strongest muscle in the body. It runs through the rear part of the cheek from the temporal bone to the lower jaw on each side. It is the muscle that opens and closes your jaw as you chew and can close the teeth with a force as strong as 200 pounds.
Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks help create your facial expressions, allow you to pucker up for a kiss and help you speak. Your lips also let air enter your mouth as you breathe and keep food and saliva in as you eat.
Salivary Glands
Your mouth has six salivary glands that produce saliva. This liquid consists of water, minerals and proteins that dissolve food and aids in the digestion process. Saliva also keeps your mouth moist so that you can speak, eat and swallow. Another important aspect of saliva is that it neutralizes and removes acids that bacteria on your teeth produce, protecting your mouth from tooth decay and gum disease.
In order to keep all of these parts functioning properly, it’s important to brush twice a day and floss to clear out bacteria and food that may get stuck in your teeth. Don’t forget to clean your tongue! Taking these steps and visiting your dentist on a regular basis will help keep your smile healthy and strong.
About the Practice
Drs. Christine Laster and Dalton Hunt are dedicated to providing each patient with customized, comprehensive dental care. This team of dentists offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, pediatric dentistry and more. Their top priority is to improve the wellbeing of each patient and help them achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. If it’s about time for a checkup, visit the website or contact the office at (919) 787-0355 to schedule your next visit.
