"Tooth" - what is it, definition of the term
The term «Tooth» designates a hard, calcified organ located in the oral cavity of vertebrates, primarily responsible for mechanically processing food; it consists of an outer enamel layer, underlying dentin, a central pulp chamber containing nerves and blood vessels, and a cementum covering that secures the structure to the jawbone through periodontal ligaments, developing through distinct embryonic and post‑eruption stages.
Detailed information
The dental element is a calcified organ situated in the oral cavity, composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Enamel, the hardest tissue, provides resistance to mechanical wear and chemical erosion. Dentin forms the bulk of the structure, transmitting sensory stimuli to the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels essential for vitality. Cementum anchors the element to the periodontal ligament, enabling attachment to the alveolar bone.
Development proceeds through distinct stages: initiation, morphogenesis, apposition, and eruption. Genetic regulation involves signaling pathways such as BMP, Wnt, and Shh, which coordinate cell differentiation and matrix deposition. Mineralization requires calcium and phosphate homeostasis, mediated by osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Common pathological conditions include caries, characterized by bacterial acid demineralization of enamel; periodontitis, marked by inflammatory destruction of supporting tissues; and developmental anomalies such as hypoplasia or dysplasia. Effective management relies on early detection, restorative techniques, and maintenance of oral hygiene.
Ectoparasites—ticks, bugs, lice, and fleas—can indirectly affect oral health. Vector-borne agents transmitted by these arthropods, such as Borrelia burgdorferi or Rickettsia species, may induce systemic infections that manifest with oral lesions, gingival inflammation, or altered salivary flow. Bites near the facial region can introduce secondary bacterial contamination, increasing the risk of localized infection. Preventive measures include vector control, personal protective equipment, and prompt removal of attached organisms.
Key preventive actions:
- Regular inspection for ectoparasite exposure in endemic areas.
- Use of repellents containing DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing.
- Maintenance of oral hygiene to reduce bacterial load that could exploit bite‑induced wounds.
- Immediate medical evaluation of systemic symptoms following a bite, with attention to oral manifestations.