diente

Diente is the Spanish noun for a tooth, one of the hard structures in the mouth that functions in biting and chewing and also plays a role in speech and aesthetics. The word diente derives from Latin dens, dens- and is cognate with the English word “tooth” and related terms in other Romance languages.

In humans and many vertebrates, a tooth comprises a crown above the gum and one or more roots anchored in the jawbone by the periodontal ligament. The enamel covers the crown and is the hardest tissue in the body; beneath it lies dentin, which forms most of the tooth’s structure, and at the center is the pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. The tooth is supported by cementum and by surrounding gums and bone.

Teeth are classified by shape and function into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Humans typically develop both deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth, with eruption and replacement occurring from infancy through adolescence. Dental health emphasizes preventing and treating caries (cavities) and periodontal disease, through good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), fluoride use, diet, and regular professional care.