4 Parts of Your Mouth & What They Do

You might not think too much about your mouth except when something is going wrong with it. However, there are many parts of it that work together every day to give you that comfort you may take for granted. They help you speak, chew, and show off your smile, but you might be more curious about how they work. So, here are four components of your oral anatomy and what they do.

1.)  Teeth

Your teeth might be the more recognizable part of your mouth, as they are the star of your smile after all. Adults typically have 32 in total, but they are broken down into the functions they serve. Your front ones are designed to cut food and, as you move back, their job is to grind it down. Aside from aiding your nutrition, you also use your teeth to pronounce certain sounds and syllables. Without them, you might have trouble speaking as clearly as you do now.

Thankfully, taking care of this part of your grin is as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily. These habits help remove plaque that can cause cavities and decay.

2.)  Gums

Around your teeth are your gums, or gingiva. These soft tissues are like a protective barrier against bacteria that hold your smile in place. When they are healthy, they are pink and firm. However, they can be attacked by bacteria in your mouth and become infected. When this happens, you may notice they are inflamed or noticeably red. Tooth loss is also possible in more severe, and untreated, cases.

The good news is that avoiding issues in this part of your mouth is similar to the above! Cleaning off plaque around the gumline reduces your risk of complications.

3.)  Salivary Glands

When you look at something tasty, your mouth might start to water. This is thanks to your salivary glands, which help start the digestive process while also protecting your smile. Saliva lubricates your mouth and washes away harmful bacteria and debris.

When you can’t produce enough of this helpful component, then you can increase your risk of developing dental problems as germs can linger for longer. Simply drink plenty of water or eat crunchy vegetables to help stimulate it.

4.)  Tongue

Another part of your oral anatomy is your tongue. You might use it to feel around your mouth, but this muscular organ helps with speaking, chewing, swallowing, and tasting. It’s covered in taste buds that help you detect different flavors like saltiness, sweetness, bitterness, and sourness as well.

A clean tongue is pink, but it can develop a white film over time if there is a buildup of bacteria on it. Discoloration is also possible with certain issues, so be sure you keep an eye out for any changes. That way, you can get it checked out and get toward a happy smile you don’t need to worry much about.

About the Practice

At The DFW Dental Implant Center, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Steven Branberg and Dr. Eric Cancemi. We are here to help the Colleyville community get the stronger grins they deserve with preventive care. By having routine visits, we can make sure every part of your oral anatomy is in great shape and continues working in harmony. If you are due for your next checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 440-7133.