Crown

Definition

The crown is the visible part of a tooth above the gum line, covered by enamel. It plays a crucial role in chewing and breaking down food during digestion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The crown is primarily composed of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body.
2. Beneath the enamel is dentin, which forms the bulk of the tooth structure.
3. The shape and size of crowns vary depending on their location and function within the mouth.
4. Dental caries (cavities) commonly affect the crown due to acid-producing bacteria metabolizing sugars.
5. Crown health is essential for overall oral hygiene and preventing infections that can spread to other parts of the digestive system.

Review Questions

• What are the main components that make up a tooth's crown?
• How does dental caries affect the crown of a tooth?
• Why is maintaining the health of your tooth crowns important for overall digestive system health?

Related terms

Enamel: A hard, protective outer layer covering the crown of a tooth.

Dentin: A layer beneath enamel that makes up most of a tooth's structure.

Dental Caries:

Tooth decay caused by bacterial activity leading to cavities.