All Mouth & Teeth Anatomy Information
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The Role of the Platysma Muscle in Your Neck and Face
The platysma muscle is the long, flat muscle that spans from your collarbone to your lower face. Learn more about the role it plays in facial functions. -
Odontogenesis: 5 Stages of Tooth Development
Odontogenesis is the medical term used to describe the complex biological process of tooth development. Here are the five stages that form your teeth. -
What Is the Cingulum of the Tooth?
The cingulum of the tooth is a component of dental anatomy that you can't really see, but you can feel with your tongue. Discover where it's located. -
What's the Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle?
When you frown, you activate your depressor anguli oris muscle. Learn more about this muscle anatomy, function & problems. -
Articular Eminence: The Doorstop of Your TMJ
The articular eminence is an essential component of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that controls how far your jaw is able to open. Here's what to know. -
How Your Palatine Tonsil Helps Guard Your Mouth
We are each born with a palatine tonsil in the back of our mouths. Here's what you need to know about this important structure. -
Common Issues With Cryptic Tonsils and What to Do
When the folds in your tonsils gather debris, you can develop tonsil stones or tonsillitis. Here's what to do if you have issues with your cryptic tonsils. -
The Lingual Artery: The Tongue's Blood Supplier
Have you noticed that cuts to your tongue might sometimes bleed? The tongue has a rich supply of blood thanks to the lingual artery. Learn more. -
Let's Think About the Mentalis Muscle
Muscles control every move you make. When you pout or stick out your lower lip, you have the mentalis muscle to thank. -
What Is the Medial Pterygoid Muscle?
The medial pterygoid muscle is one of the muscles you use to close your jaw, and it helps you chew. Learn more about this masticatory muscle. -
What to Know About the Mylohyoid Muscle
The mylohyoid muscle is one of the muscles in the floor of your mouth. Learn more about the important functions this muscle performs. -
How Your Levator Anguli Oris Helps You Form a Smile
The levator anguli oris is one of the keys to unlocking your smile. Learn how this muscle works and what conditions may affect its ability to function. -
What Does the Risorius Muscle Do?
A little-known muscle called the risorius plays an important role in your ability to smile and make other animated facial expressions. Learn how it works. -
The Masseter Muscle and Its Role in Your Dental Health
Learn how the masseter muscle functions, what conditions are associated with it and what treatment options are available. -
What Is the Depressor Labii Inferioris?
The depressor labii inferioris is the muscle that allows you to move your lower lip down and outward. Here's what you need to know. -
What Causes a Tingling Tongue?
A tingling sensation in your tongue, almost like pins and needles, can be a weird thing to experience. Learn more about what causes a tingling tongue. -
What Is the Gingival Sulcus?
The gingival sulcus is the natural space between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Here's why this area is important and how you can keep it clean. -
All About the Mandibular Nerve
The mandibular nerve helps you feel in many areas in your lower mouth. Your dentist may apply a nerve block to it before a dental procedure. Learn more. -
Study: Neanderthal teeth provide details on hardships, harsh climate
By studying Neanderthal teeth and their tooth enamel, researchers gained more detailed insights into what humans’ ancient cousins lived through. Find out more, here. -
Study explores why mouth wounds heal faster than skin cuts
Ever wondered why mouth wounds heal faster than skin cuts? Read on for more details from a recent study. -
Craze Lines Making You Crazy? Here's What You Need to Know
Craze lines are tiny cracks that appear on the enamel or outside covering of the teeth. If you notice these cracks, should you be concerned? -
Why Is Wharton's Duct Important?
What is Wharton's duct and why is it important to your oral health? Learn more about their influence on oral health. -
All About the Apical Foramen
What's an apical foramen? This junction between tooth pulp and the rest of the body is crucial for a successful root canal procedure. Learn more today. -
What Is Concrescence?
Concrescence occurs when a tooth's cementum, the material covering the root of the tooth, is joined with another tooth's cementum. It's a rare condition. -
Can You Make a Cloverleaf Tongue?
Can you twist your tongue into a cloverleaf tongue? If so, you have a talent that many people don't have. Learn more about this unique talent. -
What Is Tooth Gemination?
Tooth gemination, also called double teeth, is a dental anomaly describing an oversized or abnormally shaped tooth that seems to be comprised of two teeth. -
What Is Tooth Dilaceration?
Dilaceration — the abnormal bending or sharp curvature of a tooth's root — is rare and sometimes preventable. Learn about the signs of this condition. -
Odontoblast: Function, Abnormalities and Care
The odontoblast is responsible for making dentin, the material that makes up most of your tooth. Learn more, here. -
What Is Teeth Shaving?
Teeth shaving is the process of intentionally recontouring or reshaping teeth to achieve a variety of restorative and cosmetic goals. Learn more now. -
Molars 101: Caring for Your Mouth's Workhorses
The large teeth found at the back of your mouth don't show when you smile, but molars are some of the most important when it comes to daily activities. -
What Is Hyperdontia?
When a person is born with supernumerary, or extra teeth, the oral condition is known as hyperdontia. Here's who it affects and how it's dealt with. -
What Are Filiform Papillae?
What are filiform papillae and what is their function on the tongue? Find out more about those tiny bumps on your tongue, here! -
Tongue Functions and the Roles It Plays
You use your mouth for many important things. What function does your tongue have in them? Find out how chewing, tasting, swallowing and more are affected. -
Torus Palatinus: Causes, Complications and Treatment
Torus palatinus is a condition that leads to benign bony growths on the roof of the mouth. Learn about causes, complications and treatment options here. -
What Are Primary Teeth?
What are primary teeth? Learn about the role baby teeth play in making way for a permanent set. -
Excessive Drooling: What's Normal?
Excessive drooling can be attributed to poor mouth and tongue control and inadequate swallowing due to many factors. Learn more here. -
What Is Hyperdontia?
Have you ever met someone with a smile full of what looked like too many teeth? This condition is defined as hyperdontia or more than 32 permanent teeth. -
Fungiform Papillae and Your Tongue
What are fungiform papillae? How do they help you taste your favorite flavors and what can hinder their important job? Learn more here. -
Jagged Teeth: Causes and Treatment
Wondering how to fix jagged teeth? Learn about what your dentist can do to fix chips, breaks and naturally uneven teeth. Learn more here. -
Tonsils and Adenoids: What's the Difference?
Tonsils and adenoids aren't the same thing. Check out their functions and what makes them different from each other. Learn more here. -
Mesial of the Tooth: Putting Your Best Tooth Forward
Learning a little dental vocabulary can help you be more informed about your oral health. Start up front with the mesial of the tooth. Learn more here. -
Von Ebner Glands: What Do They Do?
How much do you know about your salivary glands? Learn how von Ebner glands help you taste and enjoy your food, and the oral changes that can affect them. -
What Is the Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ)?
Learning about the cementoenamel junction (or CEJ) and how to protect it from unnecessary wear can help you prevent dental sensitivity. Learn more here. -
What Causes Tongue Spasms?
What are tongue spasms? Find out more about the symptoms, causes and treatments of lingual dystonia here. -
Adults With Baby Teeth: Causes and Treatment
Adults with baby teeth might not even know that their primary teeth are still in their mouth. Learn causes of retained teeth & when is treatment necessary. -
What Is a Pulp Chamber?
The pulp chamber houses critical parts of your tooth's anatomy and helps keep your tooth alive. Learn more about problems and how to keep the area healthy. -
Odontoblasts: Function, Abnormalities and Care
The odontoblast is responsible for making dentin, the material that makes up most of your tooth. Learn more, here. -
What Is the Parotid Gland?
When a parotid gland is healthy, it supplies saliva rich in digestive proteins to the mouth. What happens when it becomes infected? Learn more, here. -
What Are Dentin Tubules?
Dentin tubules are microscopic channels in your teeth that are sometimes responsible for tooth sensitivity. Learn how to beat sensitivity, here. -
Buccal Exostosis: Causes, Treatment and Care
A buccal exostosis is benign, but home care tips may ensure your mouth and gums stay healthy. Learn more. -
About Cementoblastoma: Development & Treatment
A cementoblastoma is a benign growth that appears on the tooth root. Learn more about it, plus how dentists treat it here. -
About Cementum: Function, Types & Role in Tooth Sensitivity
The cementum is a part of your tooth's anatomy, much like the enamel. It helps keep your teeth attached to the jaw. Learn how to keep yours healthy, here. -
Torus Mouth: What's That Oral Growth?
A torus mouth is a bony growth that likely develops due to stress in your jaw. Learn more about treatment and oral care if you have one, here. -
Torus Palatinus: Causes, Complications and Treatment
Torus palatinus is a condition that leads to benign bony growths on the roof of the mouth. Learn about causes, complications and treatment options here. -
What Is a Canine Tooth?
What is a canine tooth and what is its function in your mouth? Find out more about canine teeth, including when they develop, why we need them, and more. -
The Sublingual Gland: Functions and Concerns
The sublingual gland is one of three salivary glands. Learn what it does and the conditions that affect it, here. -
What Is a Central Incisor?
When you flash a wide grin, the type of tooth that is front-and-center is the central incisor. What is its function? Learn more, here. -
Palatal Tori: Causes and Treatment
Palatal Tori are growths of bone or cartilage and can appear anywhere in the top or bottom of your mouth, typically near the molar. Learn more, here. -
What Are Filiform Papillae?
What are filiform papillae and what is their function on the tongue? Find out more about those tiny bumps on your tongue, here! -
Congenitally Missing Teeth: What Are They?
Congenitally missing teeth can affect the way your smile looks and how teeth work. A dentist can offer remedies to keep your mouth healthy. Learn more. -
Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN): Causes & Symptoms
The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is very important to the mouth and its several functions. Here's all you need to know about this nerve. -
Exostosis Mouth: A Complicated Term for Benign Bony Growths
If you notice a bony bump, you may have an exostosis mouth growth. They're benign and rare. Read on to learn more about exostoses. Learn more, here. -
Periodontal Ligament: What Is It?
What is the periodontal ligament and why is it important to your overall oral health? Learn more, here. -
Alveolar Process: Anatomy, Features and Importance
The alveolar process is the bone that surrounds your teeth. Learn more about how it functions in your mouth and why it's important for your oral health. -
What Is a Healthy Tongue Color?
Your tongue can be all sorts of shades and indicate overall health. What color tongue should you have? Find out what a healthy tongue looks like, here. -
What Is the Distal Tooth Surface?
Have you ever heard of the distal tooth surface? Find out what the distal tooth surface is and the best way to care for them to avoid plaque and cavities. -
Lingual Frenulum: What Is It and What Does It Do?
The lingual frenulum or frenum is a small fold of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Learn more about lingual frenulum, here. -
Types of Abnormal Tongues and What They Look Like
The tongue might not be something you think about all that often, but what if you have an abnormal tongue? What does it look like? Find out more, here! -
Circumvallate Papillae Are Tastebuds Extraodinaire!
Circumvallate papillae are key to enjoying the taste of your favorite foods. Learn more about this extraordinary taste bud, here. -
Tongue Disease: 3 Conditions That May Affect Your Tongue
You may not give your tongue much thought until you think you have a tongue disease. Learn more about these disorders that may affect your tongue, here. -
Do You Have a Cusp of Carabelli?
What is a cusp of carabelli? Do you have one and does it affect the health of your smile? Learn more, here. -
Tongue Coating: Too Much, Too Little and Just Right
While it might not be a popular topic of conversation, your tongue coating is important for a healthy mouth. Is your tongue white? Find out more, here. -
Pink Tongue? How Tongue Color Can Give Clues About Oral Health
A pink tongue may be an indicator of your oral health. Find out more about tongue colors, a pink tongue, and what it can say about your oral health. -
Tongue Functions and the Roles It Plays
You use your mouth for many important things. What function does your tongue have in them? Find out how chewing, tasting, swallowing and more are affected. -
Let's Talk Tongue Muscles!
Bet you didn't know that your tongue muscles are similar to the tentacles of an octopus. Learn about this and more fun facts about the human tongue, here! -
Mesial Tooth and Correcting Surface Gaps
What is a mesial tooth? What does it mean to have a mesial tooth gap? Should you leave it or talk to an orthodontist? Learn more about your options here. -
A Breakdown of Tongue Anatomy
What are the different parts of the human tongue? Find a detailed breakdown of the anatomy of the human tongue and what each part does for you, here. -
Treatment for Lingual Nerve Injury
What is your lingual nerve? Here's all you need to know about the lingual nerve, LN injury symptoms, and what you can do if it is injured. -
Understanding Teeth Structure
Understanding teeth structure may improve your oral care routine, because now you know all the parts that need your attention. Learn more, here. -
Frenums and Frenectomy
What happens when a frenum impairs oral function? A frenectomy may be the answer. Find out more about frenectomies and frenulum in the mouth, here. -
Are Teeth Bones?
Teeth are strong and white, just like bones. They also store a lot of calcium, just like bones. But are teeth bones? Find out more, here. -
Enamel from teeth can serve as time capsules into lives lived
Enamel can tell the story of how someone lived and died more than 350 years ago according to researchers from the Museum of London Archaeology in England. -
What Are Mandibular Tori?
Do you feel any hard bumps in your mouth? Those bumps are most likely harmless growths of extra bone called tori. Learn more about mandibular tori, here. -
Salivary Glands: How They Protect Your Oral Health
Probably one of the most overlooked parts of your digestive system are the salivary glands, but they play such an important role to your oral health. -
Myofunctional Therapy: It's All in the Tongue
When diagnosed, an abnormal tongue position can be corrected with myofunctional therapy, a special training process that ensures a future of good health. -
How Dental Hygienist Schools Lead to a Career in Oral Care
With over 345 dental hygienist schools across the U.S., you'll find them located in community colleges and in dental schools alike. Here's what to consider -
Parts of the Mouth and Their Functions
The mouth, or oral cavity, is made up of several components that work together so you can breathe, speak, and eat. Learn more about the parts of your mouth. -
Teeth and Tongue: Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Mouth Anatomy
Mouth anatomy is about more than just teeth. Here are a few activities you can do with your child to teach them about mouth anatomy and their oral health. -
Dogs Know a Smile When They See One
Learn about the dental anatomy, the anatomy of your teeth and the specific functions for the different types of teeth in your mouth. -
Four Different Types of Teeth Plus More
Most of us know how important it is to look after our teeth, but do you know the different types of teeth are and how we use them? Learn more, here. -
Four Unusual Teeth Problems You Haven't Heard Of
Children should be screened early to see if they show signs of future teeth problems. Find out more about teeth problems, including unusual teeth problems, here. -
Ten Human Tongue Facts for Well-Rounded Oral Care
The tongue goes well beyond licking ice cream cones and sticking it out at your sibling. Here are ten human tongue facts, including some its functions. -
What Teeth are Baby Teeth?
It can be hard to determine what teeth are baby teeth and which ones are permanent. Learn more about baby teeth and permanent teeth, here. -
Slide show: Oral health — Illustrated guide to the mouth
Find out more about mouth anatomy in this helpful guide with illustrations. Visit Colgate® online for more on mouth and teeth anatomy. -
Tooth Anatomy: Know the Parts of Your Teeth
Learning about the basics of tooth anatomy will help you understand how oral health conditions form. Learn more about the parts of teeth, here. -
Oral Bacteria: What Lives In Your Mouth?
You can't see them, feel them or taste them, but your mouth is home to entire colonies of microorganisms. Learn more about oral bacteria in your mouth, here. -
The Truth About Premolars
Premolars, also called bicuspids, are the permanent teeth located between your molars in the back of your mouth and your canine. Learn more about premolars, here. -
3 Fun Facts About Teeth
People today know a lot about their oral health, but that wasn't always the case. Find out what our ancestors believed about teeth with these fun teeth facts. -
How to Build Strong Teeth
Strong teeth are healthy teeth, and the path to healthy teeth includes both eating the right foods and caring for your teeth. Learn more about strong teeth, here. -
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Have you ever wondered about tooth enamel? What is it? How important is it? How can you protect it? Here are the answers to all… Read more at Colgate.com