{"id":64,"date":"2021-08-05T15:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-05T15:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carrollbutlerdds.com\/blog\/?p=64"},"modified":"2021-09-22T15:09:35","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T15:09:35","slug":"parts-of-the-mouth-and-their-functions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carrollbutlerdds.com\/blog\/parts-of-the-mouth-and-their-functions\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Parts of Your Mouth and What Do They Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"young<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever wondered how your mouth works? It\u2019s made up of\nnumerous components that work together to help you eat, speak, breathe, digest\nfood, and smile. Plus, it does a bit more beyond that! By understanding how\nthese parts work, it\u2019s easier to recognize the significance of good oral care.\nRead along as we discuss the different parts of the mouth and their functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Parts of The Mouth and Their Functions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is the basic anatomy of your mouth<\/a> and\nhow each part functions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lips and Cheeks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This duo is made up of strong muscles that allow you to do\nmany things, such as smile, frown, and kiss. Your lips help you breathe by\nletting air into your mouth, and when working together with the cheeks, they let\nyou speak. They also keep saliva and food in your mouth while chewing. Plus, they\nact as a guide to keep your teeth in their proper positions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tongue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that your tongue is one of the hardest working\nmuscles in your body? Like your heart, this powerful muscle is always<\/em>\nworking by helping you chew, swallow, speak, and taste food. It\u2019s home to about\n10,000 taste buds, allowing you to enjoy your meals by detecting sweet, salty,\nbitter, and savory flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teeth, Gums, and Alveolar Bone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your teeth are made of hard enamel and have roots that\nanchor them into the jawbone. The alveolar bone stabilizes the teeth while your\ngums hold them in place and protect the roots from decay. The obvious function\nof your pearly whites is to tear and chew food for proper digestion. However,\nthey also give your face its shape and help you pronounce words and sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salivary Glands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, a\nsubstance that breaks down food to begin the digestive process. It also moistens\nyour mouth so you can speak, chew, and swallow. Since it serves as a natural\ncleansing agent that repeatedly washes away bacteria from your teeth and gums,\nit protects your mouth against cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temporomandibular Joint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) grant you the ability to\nopen and close your mouth and move your lower jaw forward and side to side. The\ntwo joints are located on both sides of your head and work with your jawbone, facial\nmuscles, and ligaments. They also assist you in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Keep My Oral Cavity Healthy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many steps you can take to keep your oral cavity\nhealthy, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n