We often encounter questions like, “How many teeth do humans have?” This is one question that has long fascinated our patients. And, rightly so, for it sheds light on one’s oral anatomy’s uniqueness.
In this blog, we shall discuss at length about the types of teeth and how it is important to take care of them in order to sport a healthy smile for years to come.
The Baby Teeth Stage:
To begin with, humans are born with baby teeth. These are also commonly referred to as a set of primary teeth that start coming out around six months of age. Subsequently, they continue to come until the child reaches two to three years of age. To sum it up, there are 20 baby teeth; 10 on top and 10 on the bottom. To put things in perspective, these baby teeth serve as the foundations for the permanent teeth that ultimately replace them.
The Transition to Permanent Teeth:
With children’s growth also comes the jaw development to create space for the permanent set of teeth. Speaking of this, these teeth are 32 in total. As for the transition, it typically begins when a child reaches six years of age. This is when the first permanent molars emerge behind the baby molars. As time progresses, permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and second molars begin replacing the baby teeth. Typically, all of this happens by the time the child reaches 13 years of age.
The last set of teeth to emerge are known as Wisdom teeth or third molars. They often grow between the ages of 17 and 25 and not everybody necessarily gets them.
Understanding the Types of Tooth:
As you must have got an idea, there are four categories:
Incisors: These are eight in total, located at the frontal and are used for cutting food.
Canines: Each corner of the mouth as one canine. They are also known as fangs as they are responsible for tearing food.
Premolars: For crushing and grinding food, there are premolars. They have a flat surface and they are located just behind the canines; eight in total.
Molars: Designed for chewing food, molars have a much broader and flatter surface. There are 12 molars in total.
Caring for Your Teeth:
Considering that each tooth tends to play an equally important and unique role in one’s day life, it is imperative to take proper care of your teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash. In addition to this, professional dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to have a confident and healthy smile.
Conclusion:
At Dentakay Dental Clinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way when it comes to taking care of your teeth. We take pride in providing personalized dental care to ensure a whiter and healthier smile for you. From same-day to cosmetic dentistry our team is committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to book a free video consultation and embark with us on your dental journey.