Final answer:
The exact spot where adjacent teeth touch each other is called the contact point. It's essential for even distribution of biting forces and maintains proper tooth alignment. The contact point is part of the crown, protected by enamel and supported by underlying structures like dentin and cementum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The exact spot where adjacent teeth actually touch each other is known as the contact point. This area is crucial for maintaining the proper alignment of teeth, ensuring that the forces of biting and chewing are distributed evenly. The contact point is not to be confused with other parts of a tooth like the occlusal surface, which is the top surface of the tooth used for chewing, or the incisal edge and cingulum, which pertain to the front teeth or canines and serve different functions in the process of eating.
Understanding the anatomy of a tooth can help us appreciate the specific functions that different parts play. The crown of the tooth is protected by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. Below the enamel is dentin, which extends into the root around the pulp cavity, housing nerves and blood vessels. The root itself is anchored into the jaw bone through the cementum and periodontal ligament. This complex structure is what allows our teeth to be both durable and sensitive to various stimuli.