gums – the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth.
incisor – a type of tooth with a narrow edge (in humans, the front teeth). Incisors are used to cut food. An incisor has 1 root. Adult humans have 8 incisors (4 in the top jaw and 4 in the bottom jaw).
molar – a wide, flat tooth found in the back of mammal’s mouths. Molars grind food during chewing. Molars in the top jaw have 3 roots; molars in the lower jaw have 2 roots. Adults have 12 molars (6 in the top jaw and 6 in the bottom jaw).
nerves – nerves transmit signals (conveying messages like hot, cold, or pain) to and from the brain.
periodontal membrane/ligament – the fleshy tissue between tooth and the tooth socket; it holds the tooth in place. The fibers of the periodontal membrane are embedded within the cementum.
premolar (also called bicuspid) – the type of tooth located between the canine and the molars in humans. A bicuspid tooth has 1 root. Bicuspids have two points (cusps) at the top. Adults have 8 premolars (4 in the top jaw and 4 in the bottom jaw).
pulp – the soft center of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; it nourishes the dentin.
root – the anchor of a tooth that extends into the jawbone. The number of roots ranges from one to four.
