If you are already undergoing or are planning to undertake orthodontic treatment, you care about the appearance of your teeth. You realize how important straight teeth and aligned bites are to your overall oral health. And because you’re well aware of the value and importance of orthodontics, you’re probably interested in the anatomy and physiology of your whole mouth. 

People who want excellent orthodontic care see the professionals at the office of Lynbrook. We know that our patients’ expectations are just as high as ours are. Our relaxed atmosphere and gentle touch complement our excellent ability to tailor treatment plans to suit each patient’s unique requirements.

There’s a lot to know about the mouth. Here are the basics. 

It’s lined with wet mucous membranes. Its top is called the palate. That hanging thing at the back of our throat that looks like a punching bag is the uvula. The tonsils flank the uvula. The tongue is a muscle that’s covered by teeny bumps called papillae, which have tiny pores that are the main types of taste buds that perceive bitter, sour, salty and sweet sensations. Three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw emit saliva, which aids in digestion, keeps your mouth moist and supports healthy teeth.

Four kinds of teeth work to efficiently break up food and get it ready to move into your stomach. Eight incisors (your top and bottom front teeth) bite into food. The four pointy teeth that flank the incisors are the canines (also called eyeteeth or cuspids). They shred food. The four premolars (aka bicuspids) use their points and grooves to grind stuff. 

Your set of permanent teeth has 12 back molars; they are also for chewing, and they’re called the first, second and third molars. The third molars are also referred to as wisdom teeth because when they erupt—at about age 16 or 17—you’re supposed to be well on your way to gaining knowledge. They’re troublemakers if they cause crowding, pain or an impacted situation. That’s why they frequently end up getting extracted. 

We hope this tour was informative and educational! An orthodontist is your partner in excellent oral healthcare. Everyone who comes to Lynbrook knows that we use advanced knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to achieve outstanding outcomes. Please call us today to make an appointment.