by Rudolfo San Miguel
Your mouth is made of up of more than teeth and jaw bone. Good
dental care isn’t just about protecting your teeth as much it is about
comprehensive oral hygiene. Each portion of your mouth has a different function
and design. By understanding the different portions of your mouth you can
better appreciate how important its well-being is for you and your life.
The Oral
Mucosa is the inner portion of your mouth, which protects you from
what you put on it. Made of a protective lining called the “oral mucosa,” this
inner surface of your mouth is important for your oral health along with your
health in general. It consists of a tough membrane called keratin, which is also
what both your fingernails and hair are made. It protects from disease, as it
protects from injury.
The Gums are the
pink tissue surrounding your teeth. Covering the entire roots of your teeth,
the gums are important not only to your dental structure but also the health of
the rest of your mouth. Gum disease may ultimately lead to both teeth decay
and/or loss.
The Jaws (Upper
and Lower) are the bones and structure surrounding the entrance to your
mouth. They give your face its shape. They are essential for chewing and
talking. Your upper jaw is attached to your skull, while the lower jawbone is
separate and able to move vertically while you are chewing or speaking.
The Tongue is the organ
in your mouth that you use to both taste and swallow food. Made of a powerful
muscle, the tongue is covered with a special kind of mucosal tissue that
harbors your taste buds. Aside from all the eating, tongues are important for
speech.
The Salivary
Glands are the three sets of glands located in your mouth and neck
where your saliva is produced. They are called the “parotid,” “submandibular,”
and “sublingual” glands. Your saliva helps protect your teeth and gums by
rinsing food and bacteria. It also counteracts foods that are acidic, which can
slowly wear away your teeth’s protective enamel.
The Uvula is the small
flap of tissue that hangs from the back of your throat. Composed of muscle
fibers and glandular tissue, the uvula is still a mystery to scientists. It
does seem to play a role in both speech and maintaining moisture in your mouth
and throat.
The Frenulum
Linguae is the flap of mucosa connecting your tongue at the bottom of
your mouth. It allows your tongue to move and assist in your ability to speak.
We may sometimes take our mouth for granted. Think of all the
chewing, tasting, breathing, and swallowing you do. Through all these different
elements to the structure of your mouth, these task are completed. Their health
and well-being is as much part you as the rest of your body.
by Rudolfo San Miguel
