What Exactly is the Tooth’s Pulp?

Have you ever wondered what a tooth looks like on the inside? If you were to cut a tooth in half, you would probably be surprised to find that it is more hollow than you think. Under the hard layers of enamel and dentin lies the pulp, which is arguably the most important part of the tooth. But what exactly is the tooth’s pulp?

What Exactly is the Tooth’s Pulp?

But what exactly is the tooth’s pulp? What makes it such an essential part of your overall dental health? Your local dentist in Anaheim knows that this is one of the biggest questions that patients like you may have when getting a root canal treatment. Keep reading to find our answers below.

Where is the Pulp and What Does it Do?

The pulp is located under two outer layers of the tooth: the enamel, which is the hard white outer layer that you see, and dentin, which is the main part of the tooth used to chew and crunch. Protected by these shielding layers is the pulp, a mushy substance that is the only living part of the tooth.

The pulp contains the most important part of the teeth which include the blood vessels, veins, nerves, and connective tissues. Essentially, everything that is responsible for the tooth’s function and feeling can be found inside the pulp. In addition, the pulp creates new dentin over time that keeps your teeth hard and provides much-needed nutrients to the entirety of the tooth.

Dental Health Risks

It is important to keep your pulp protected and free of disease so that these ailments don’t spread to the rest of the tooth. Depending on whether or not you are predisposed to certain conditions, there are certain risk factors for tooth pulp that you should be aware of:

Inflammation or infection
Pulpitis (a result of tooth decay)
Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
Dental abscesses
Swollen lymph nodes

What starts out as a small cavity can turn into a very serious tooth infection. If this infection gets deep into the tooth and reaches all the way to the pulp, it can spell out some serious health issues for the rest of your body. As soon as the infection reaches nerves and blood, it can be carried throughout the rest of your system.

Symptoms of Tooth Pulp Infection

If an infection has reached the pulp of your tooth, it is likely very severe. You will very much notice symptoms such as:

Pus
Swelling in the mouth, lips, and cheeks
Fever
Bad breath that won’t go away
Intense tooth pain
Pain when eating sweet foods

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with your dental expert right away. If the infection is causing life-threatening symptoms, please visit the emergency room.

Prevent Tooth Pulp Problems

You can prevent some of the worst dental health maladies by taking extra steps to take care of your teeth. The most effective form of prevention is consistent care. Engage in daily hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth in the morning and at night. Invest in a fluoride-based toothpaste that adds extra strength and healing to your teeth. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you suspect that you may be dealing with a tooth infection or another dental malady.

Find the Best Treatment for Tooth Pulp Infections Today

Whether you are in the early stages of an infection or you are dealing with intense pain, it’s important to get in touch with your local Anaheim dentists right away. The best treatment for a tooth pulp infection is an innovative root canal treatment in Anaheim. During the procedure, the dentist will “deaden” the tooth by removing the pulp from inside. Your tooth will be saved, and it can no longer carry an infection.

Learn more when you get in touch with our dental experts today. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any way, let us know ASAP. Invest in the best methods to heal your tooth’s pulp before it’s too late!

Blog