PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DENTAL ORGAN
- INTRODUCTION
Dental physiology is based on the study of the functions of the world of juxtaposed and interacting tissues and structures, which in fact create the dental organ, and have allowed us to better understand the etiopathogenic mechanisms in order to approach therapeutics.
- Definition of physiology : Physiology studies the mechanical, physical and biochemical functioning of living organisms, animals or plants, their organs and their organizations, their structures and their tissues.
Physiology also studies the interactions of an organism and its environment. In all biological disciplines, by schematically defining levels of organization, physiology is a discipline close to histology and anatomy.
3) Physiology of the dental organ ;
A- Chewing; This function is much more important than is generally assumed: chewing is the first step in digestion.
With the participation of the tongue, lip, cheeks and saliva, the teeth prepare the food bolus before it passes into the esophagus.
Chewing takes place in 02 stages. The food is first sectioned; this role is generally assigned to the incisors, but the food can also be torn by the canines.
In a more posterior position are the premolars and molars, which perform a function of crushing and grinding food: it is the trituration that the relatively flat surfaces of these teeth allow by friction and elliptical movements of the lower jaw.
B- Swallowing; food is mixed with saliva (about 1L/day), thanks to mucin, making it slippery. In addition, saliva contains an enzyme, ptyalin, which already begins the digestion or transformation of carbohydrates in the mouth.
Tasting takes place in the mouth. The tongue, by pressing against the palate, pushes the food towards the pharynx and triggers the automatic mechanism of swallowing.
C- Elocution; the position of the teeth and tongue, cheeks and lips allows for correct elocution: the teeth serve as support for the tongue and lips for the pronunciation of all syllables.
A “hissing” sound is caused by a previous loss of teeth, either permanent (elderly people) or temporary (children).
Even a cavity in a central incisor can cause a slight whistling sound, caused by the passage of air when pronouncing certain words.
D- Aesthetics and the smile: (role on the psyche); A dazzling smile is in our time a sign of health, youth and beauty. It is an essential asset of seduction, the communication “tool” par excellence
Thus, damaged teeth are often an unfavorable factor in public relations. In addition, the importance of their alignment is great, since the teeth also serve as support for the lips and cheeks. The loss of posterior teeth hollows the cheeks and can contribute to giving an impression of aging or thinning of the face.
CONCLUSION; The dental organ being the smallest of the vital organs of the human body, responds to multiple functions .
An alteration of one of its structures leads to the rupture of one of its physiological functions , for this reason we must at all costs keep a tooth as long as possible on the dental arch not only to fulfill its functions but above all to keep the natural smile.
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DENTAL ORGAN
Misplaced wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth.
Ceramic dental crowns provide a natural-looking result.
Receding gums can expose tooth roots.
Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to braces.
Composite fillings are less visible than amalgam.
Interdental brushes prevent gum problems.
A diet rich in calcium strengthens teeth and bones.