How are your teeth called and what are their functions?
Post date: Oct 12, 2018 8:14:13 PM
You will have two sets of teeth in your lifetime. The first set is called primary teeth, and the second is the permanent or adult teeth. These develop in stages, but at different times, as you get older.
The forming of a tooth actually begins before it can even become visible in your mouth. Around a toddler’s first six months, the baby’s first teeth will come out, but they will have already been forming within the gums during the second trimester of the mother’s pregnancy. Even though the crown is the first to form, a tooth’s root will continue to develop in time.
Your 20 primary teeth will have all erupted by the time you reach three years old and will remain until you are about six. Then they will begin to fall out and get replaced by permanent teeth. You should already have our full set of adult teeth by the time you reach the age of 12. Most adults will have a total of 32 permanent teeth, including four wisdom teeth. The four tissues that comprise your teeth are the enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. The enamel is the hard substance that covers the crown, the dentin lies under the enamel, the cementum covers the roots of the teeth and anchors them to the mouth bones, and the pulp is found at the center, containing nerves and blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the teeth.
There are four types of teeth: canines, incisors, premolars, and molars. Canines are used to grip and tear the food you eat, while the incisors cut and shear them into chewable pieces. Premolars have a flat surface for biting and are used to crush food. Finally, you have the molars, the largest teeth, which collectively chew, grind, and crush food.
Dr. Kami Hoss holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He is an accomplished dentist, inventor, and commercial real estate investor. For more articles on dental care, click this link.
