You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your mouth, but it’s a pretty interesting place. It kick-starts digestion and influences your respiratory system. It’s also home to the strongest muscle in your body. The anatomy of your mouth creates seamless functions necessary for your overall wellness. Here’s how each part of your mouth works together.
Saliva
Saliva is produced by 3 paired salivary glands. They are located under your tongue, in the back of your throat, and in your jaw. You also have hundreds of smaller glands. Saliva contains bacteria-fighting enzymes, which help regulate your mouth’s natural bacterial biome. It also contains special proteins, which are essential for breaking down specific nutrients in food. This allows for efficient digestion and protects your teeth from damaging microorganisms.
Teeth and Gums
Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, protecting the softer underlying dentin and pulp. Enamel is even stronger than some metals, withstanding exceptional force to grind your food into small pieces.
Your tooth roots are surrounded by the alveolar bone, and your gums help keep everything in place. The soft tissues are also responsible for protecting your roots from harmful bacteria.
Tongue
Your tongue is a large and powerful muscle, but it isn’t the strongest in your mouth. Only two-thirds of your tongue is visible. The other portion of your tongue extends down your throat. It is responsible for moving food down the esophagus, pronouncing various sounds, and even pushing saliva down your throat as you sleep. Your tongue performs various functions that you don’t ever think about, like taste sensations from an average of about 10,000 taste buds.
The Masseter Muscle
The masseter muscle is the strongest muscle in the human body, which allows you to open and close your mouth. It creates over 100 pounds of force on your molars to grind and chew food. It connects to your temporomandibular joints, which are located just in front of your ears. Together, they allow you to speak, chew, swallow, and perform many other tasks necessary for life.
Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks control many facial expressions, while also allowing you to pronounce sounds for clear speech. They also keep food and drinks in your mouth. Without them, food, drinks, and saliva would just spill from your mouth. Your cheeks and lips also play a role in the alignment of your teeth.
Life wouldn’t be the same if not for your oral anatomy. Keep your mouth healthy by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup.
About Dr. Gary Chaffee
Dr. Chaffee earned his dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and continued his education for 2 years to specialize in orthodontics. He is a Certified Invisalign Provider and a member of several professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (805) 266-7782.