We tend to take for granted the functions of our body that help us function in the little and big things. We don’t think about eating. We just do it. We don’t think about talking. We just do it. We don’t think about chewing and swallowing. We just do it. Learning a bit more about the anatomy of the mouth may make you appreciate what such a seemingly small part of the body does to help you get through each day.
The mouth is made up of 2 distinct parts: the vestibule, the part between your lips and teeth and the oral cavity, the mouth “house” that is responsible for the function of all working parts. The mouth officially begins at the lips and ends near the tonsils. It’s made up of teeth, gums, the palate, salivary glands, the tongue, tastebuds and mucous membranes. Every mouth is unique in size and shape, but each generally contains all the same parts.
The mouth is the very first part of the digestive system. When you chew with your teeth and break down foods with saliva, solids continue to move through the digestive tract. Not only can you eat because of your mouth structure but you can also breathe and form the words you speak thanks to the shape of the cavity, the teeth and the tongue. They must all work together in harmony to effectively allow you to enjoy dinner parties and conversation with friends.
You begin with 20 baby teeth that eventually fall out and turn into 32 permanent teeth. Within those, you have 8 incisors (sharp chompers towards the front), 4 cuspids (the fang like teeth), 8 premolars (the flat, rounded teeth), and 12 molars (useful for crushing and swallowing). Every part has a purpose and function, allowing you to breathe, talk, chew, taste, swallow, eat and drink! Clearly, being responsible with what we have been given and taking good care of our teeth is essential to positive long term health.