How Dental Anatomy Affects Common Dental Problems Your mouth is an amazing part of your body, made up of features like teeth, gums, and tongue, all working together. However, sometimes problems can occur, such as cavities, gum disease, or even more serious issues like oral cancer. By learning a little about how these parts of your mouth function and how they relate to common dental problems, you can better understand how to recognize, prevent, and address these issues when they happen. Cavities: When Teeth Are Under Attack Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a common issue many people face with their teeth. The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, works like a shield to protect them. Just below the enamel is a softer part called dentin, which is more prone to damage. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can attack the enamel. If the enamel gets weakened or damaged, these acids can reach the dentin and form a cavity. To help ke...