Teeth | Community Health

Teeth are hard, calcified structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates, used to break down food, capture prey, and defend against predators. With a complex structure composed of multiple tissues, teeth are not made of bone, but rather originate from the outermost embryonic germ layer, the ectoderm. The general structure of teeth is similar across vertebrates, but there is considerable variation in their form and position. For example, the teeth of mammals, such as [[homo-sapiens|humans]], have deep roots, while those of teleost fish, like [[salmon|salmon]], are attached to the outer surface of the bone. Understanding teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral health, as poor dental care can lead to conditions like [[tooth-decay|tooth decay]] and [[gum-disease|gum disease]], which can have significant impacts on overall health, including links to [[heart-disease|heart disease]] and [[diabetes|diabetes]].