Your mouth has all sorts of different parts that work together for a variety of functions, and you use it every single day. You use your mouth to breathe, speak, eat, and digest food. Ultimately, the mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so it is important to take care of it. Continue reading to learn about the different parts of your mouth and what they do to contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.
Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks are both made up of muscles that give you the ability to shape your facial expression. They also allow air into your mouth for breathing and help you communicate with others through speaking. Without your lips or cheeks, you would be unable to keep saliva in your mouth while chewing.
Tongue
The tongue is a very powerful muscle that aids you in chewing, swallowing, speaking, and tasting food. Your taste buds allow you to enjoy the foods you are eating by detecting sweet, salty, bitter, and savory flavors.
Teeth, Gums, and Alveolar Bone
Your teeth are covered in a hard enamel and are anchored by their root. The alveolar bone surrounds the root and holds your teeth in the mouth. The gum tissue holds your teeth in place and protects the roots from decay. The main function of your teeth is to tear and chew food so they can be digested with ease, but they also help to give your face its shape.
Salivary Glands
You have six salivary glands that produce your saliva. Saliva is made up of mostly water, but it also contains substances that break down food to begin the digestive process. It also keeps your mouth moist so you can speak, chew, and swallow with ease. Salvia repeatedly rinses away bacteria from your teeth and gums to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Temporomandibular Joint
You are able to open and close your mouth thanks to the temporomandibular joint. They are located on both sides of your head and work together with your jawbone, facial muscles, and ligaments. This way, you can chew your food and speak with ease.
Your oral cavity is a complex place of moving parts, so it is important that you are taking excellent care of it. By maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, you can continue to show off a beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Currently, he is a clinical instructor at Harvard Dental School and a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, and several other professional organizations. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Peabody, visit his website or call (978) 531-2185.