We tend to take our teeth and oral health for granted until something goes wrong. But your teeth play an important role in digestion, speech, and your overall health.
By taking care of your teeth and gums today, you can keep your mouth healthy, and protect your overall health in the long-run. Humans have two sets of teeth, primary (or baby) teeth and then permanent teeth, which develop in stages.
Although the timing is different, the development of each of these sets of teeth is similar. Here are some facts about how people develop teeth:
A tooth is divided into two basic parts: the crown, which is the visible, white part of the tooth, and the root, which you can't see. The root extends below the gum line and anchors the tooth into the bone.
Your teeth contain four kinds of tissue and each does a different job. These include: Enamel which is the visible substance that covers the tooth crown.
Harder than bone, enamel protects the tooth from decay. Enamel is made up of phosphorous and calcium.
Underneath the enamel you find dentin, which is calcified and looks similar to bone. Dentin is not quite as hard as enamel, so it is at greater risk for decay should the enamel wear away.
Cementum is the tissue covers the tooth root and helps anchor it (cement it) into the bone. It is softer than enamel and dentin; the best way to protect this softer tissue from decay is by taking good care of your gums.
Cementum has a light yellow color and is usually covered by the gums. But with inadequate dental care, the gums may become diseased and shrink, exposing the cementum to harmful plaque and bacteria.
Pulp is found at the center of your tooth and contains the blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues that deliver nutrients and signals to your teeth.
Teeth help you chew your food, making it easier to digest. Each type of tooth has a slightly different shape and performs a different job. Types of teeth include: Incisors that are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth (four on top and four on bottom).
These are the teeth that you use to take bites of your food. Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, at around 6 months of age for your first set of teeth, and between 6 and 8 years of age for your adult set.
Your four canines are the next type of teeth to develop. These are your sharpest teeth and are used for ripping and tearing food apart.
Primary canines generally appear between 16 and 20 months of age with the upper canines coming in just ahead of the lower canines. In permanent teeth, the order is reversed. Lower canines erupt around age 9 with the uppers arriving between 11 and 12 years of age.
Premolars, or bicuspids, are used for chewing and grinding food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth, two on the upper and two on the lower jaw. The first premolars appear around age 10 and the second premolars arrive about a year later.
Primary molars are also used for chewing and grinding food. These appear between 12 and 15 months of age. These molars are replaced by the first and second permanent molars (four upper and four lower). The first molars erupt around 6 years of age while the second molars come in between 11 and 13 years of age.
Third molars are commonly known as wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to develop and do not typically erupt until age 18 to 20, and some people never develop third molars at all. For those who do, these molars may cause crowding and need to be removed.
Author Resource:-
Jack Landry is a formal dental hygienist and has authored hundreds of articles relating to dental practice and procedures, including this cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas.
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