Primary Teeth: Most babies are born with no teeth showing (the teeth are forming inside the gums).
The 20 primary teeth (also called baby teeth or first teeth) erupt (poke through the gums) over the time from when a baby is from about 6 months to a year old.
Permanent Teeth: Primary teeth fall out and are replaced by 32 permanent teeth (also called the adult teeth). This happens over the time from when a child is from about 6 to 14 years old. As a permanent tooth forms under the gums and in the jawbone, the roots of the primary tooth it is replacing dissolve. Then the primary tooth becomes loose and falls out. The permanent tooth will fill the space. Teeth vary in size, shape and their location in the jaws. These differences enable teeth to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. They also help give your face its shape and form. At birth people usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which often erupt as early as six months of age. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood. By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted.
Primary teeth eruption chart
Permanent teeth eruption chart
Parts of your tooth: The human tooth has two primary components: the crown and root. The crown is the portion of the tooth that projects above the gums while the root is that portion that anchors the tooth to the bone. The teeth are composed of 4 tissues. The enamel covers the crown of the teeth and is the hardest known substance in the human body. This extreme hardness is necessary to survive the powerful forces exerted on the tooth surface during chewing. Inner to the enamel is the dentin forming the bulk of the tooth. Cementum covers the root portion of the tooth and gives attachment to certain fibers called periodontal ligament that help the tooth attach to the jaws. The Pulp is the innermost part of the tooth containing the nerves, blood vessels and other cells. The pulp is the vital area of the tooth. Gums are soft tissues that cover the tooth like a collar.
Teeth have different shapes for different jobs. For example, when you eat, the upper teeth work together with the lower teeth of the same shape to bite, chew, and tear food. The names of these teeth are:
Ø Incisors (Central & Lateral) - There are eight incisors located in the front of the mouth (four on the top and four on the bottom). They have sharp, chisel-shaped crowns that cut food.
Ø Cuspids / Canines - The four cuspids are next to each incisor. Cuspids have a pointed edge to tear food.
Ø Premolars - Also called bicuspids, the four pairs of premolars are located next to the cuspids. They crush and tear food.
Ø Molars - There are twelve molars, in sets of three, at the back of the mouth. They have wide surfaces that help to grind food.
Adults have 32 teeth. Depending on their age, children may have fewer because they lose baby teeth as adult teeth grow. In addition to chewing, teeth help you to speak clearly.
“Teeth also give your face its shape and add to the way you look. Not only do clean, healthy teeth help you look good, they contribute to total body health and well-being. And a smile always helps you look your best.”
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