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Home › About › Blog › A Tour Of Your Mouth - Why Visiting a Dentist Is So Important

A Tour Of Your Mouth - Why Visiting a Dentist Is So Important
Posted on 6/3/2024 by Doctor Krajekian
Close up of a beautiful smile
The anatomy of your mouth may seem simple to you, but in reality, it is a complex system responsible for getting nutrition to the rest of your body. Here is a brief look at all of the parts of your mouth and why they need to be checked by dentists to make sure they are functioning normally.

Your Upper Jaw


Your upper jaw contains between 14 and 16 teeth, depending on your genetics and whether your wisdom teeth have erupted. Your gums help anchor your upper teeth to your jawbone by a dental root. Most of your teeth have one tooth root, but your molars, because they are larger teeth, have two tooth roots. Behind your teeth and gums, you have a bony structure called the hard palate. This hard palate acts as a wall between your nose and sinuses and your mouth. You need the hard palate to eat properly and to talk. You also need the soft palate, right behind the hard palate, for speaking, swallowing food, and even breathing properly. During your dental checkup twice a year, our dentist looks at your teeth, gums, and hard and soft palate to make sure you are not having any issues.

Your Lower Jaw


In addition to your 16 teeth, your lower jaw also houses your tongue and salivary glands. Your tongue is used for speaking as well as eating because it aids with food digestion. You can develop problems with your tongue, such as tongue fissures or geographic tongue, that are not harmful but that a dentist can help with. Also, if you have a history of tobacco use, our dentist will want to check your tongue, salivary glands, and other lower mouth structures for signs of oral cancer. Dentists can actually screen you for oral cancer each time you come in for a visit, and because early detection is key, they can help you continue to have good health.

If you think you may have a problem inside your mouth, why not give us a call today? We can set up an appointment for you.
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