Besides brushing and flossing, you likely don’t think about your mouth very often. Although you might believe your teeth, gums, and tongue are all that’s included in your mouth, your oral cavity is pretty complex. As the “gateway to your body,” it allows you to digest food, speak, eat, and even breathe. Here are some interesting facts about the various parts of the mouth and their roles.
Lips and Cheeks
Your lips and cheeks consist of multiple muscles that help shape your facial expressions while also allowing you to pucker up for a kiss. The outer barrier of your mouth allows you to control inhaling and exhaling to make breathing easier, like when dealing with nasal congestion. Your lips and cheeks work together to produce sounds necessary for clear speech.
Your lips are especially important because your saliva and food would also spill out of your mouth without them. Besides avoiding the embarrassment of messy eating and constant drooling, the soft tissues act as a guide for your teeth. They not only make your life easier, but your lips are also unique because no two sets are the same, just like your fingerprints.
Salivary Glands
You have a total of 6 salivary glands responsible for producing a clear liquid. Although the thought of spit might make you cringe, it contains substances that allow you to break down food to kick-start the digestive process. In addition, saliva keeps your mouth moist, so you can chew, swallow, and speak. It also helps clean your mouth between brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. A healthy flow of saliva is necessary to protect the enamel because it contains crucial minerals and proteins. Although it might sound outlandish, your body produces anywhere for 2-4 pints of saliva daily.
Tongue
Did you know your tongue is actually a muscle? It has many tasks, like facilitating chewing, speaking, and swallowing. It’s also crucial for enjoying your favorite foods and drinks thanks to your taste buds. On average, there are about 10,000 of these sensory receptors. Contrary to common belief, taste buds aren’t just on your tongue. They are also located in other areas of your mouth, allowing you to distinguish between salty, bitter, sweet, and savory flavors.
Temporomandibular Joint
Located on either side of your face, the temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth and move the lower jaw from side to side. These movements are vital to your ability to chew, speak, and swallow.
Your teeth and gums aren’t the only components of a healthy smile. You can ensure every part of your mouth stays healthy by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly.
About Dr. Shelly Strohman
Dr. Strohman earned her dental degree at the UMKC School of Dentistry. She has also earned a Level 1 Sedation Permit and certifications in basic life support and nitrous oxide. She strives to deliver personalized solutions and comfortable care. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a cleaning and checkup.