33^rd Euro Dentistry Congress

Dental Anatomy

It is important to have knowledge of the Anatomy and development of your teeth and mouth in order to maintain good oral health. The mouth is important not only in speech and as a receptacle for food but also plays an important part in the digestive system. The normal anatomy of the mouth includes the oral cavity, which is composed of the hard and soft palates; the mucosa, or tissues lining the upper and lower sections of the mouth as well as the tissues lining the inner cheeks; the gingiva, or gums, surrounding the teeth; as well as the tongue, uvula, tonsils, and salivary gland openings. The small bands of tissue that run from the top and sides of the oral cavity to the inner cheek and both upper and lower lip tissues are called the frenum. It is concerned with the naming of teeth and the structures of which they are made, this information serving a practical purpose in dental treatment.