Teeth
Teeth are hard structures located on the jaws in the mouth. There are four main types of teeth, and each one has a different shape and function
Humans have two sets of teeth; the first set of teeth is called the primary teeth also called milk of baby teeth, and the permanent teeth or adult teeth. Our baby teeth starts to develop before before they become visible, our baby teeth starts to become visible as early as 6 months old to 1 year old.
The crown of the teeth is formed first while the root of the tooth develops even after the tooth has erupted. The baby teeth are in place between ages 2 1/2 years to 3 years and remains in place until around age 6 years. Between ages 6 years to 12 years, the primary or baby teeth begin to fall out to make way for our permanent teeth or our adult teeth.
Your teeth are part of your digestive system. They break down foods by crushing or cutting them before you swallow. Most humans have 32 teeth, although some have more and some have fewer. Enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth) is the hardest substance in the human body.
The four main types of teeth are:
- Incisors - our incisors are eight teeth in the front center of our mouth (four on both the bottom and top). These are typically the first adult teeth that a child will get, coming in when the child is between six and eight years old. Incisors are the teeth that we use to bite into our food.
- Canines - our canines are the next teeth that develop in your mouth. we have four of them and they are our sharpest teeth, used for tearing apart food.
- Premolars - Premolars are used for tearing and crushing food. Unlike our incisors and canines, premolars have a flat biting surface. We have eight premolars in total.
- Molars - our molars are your largest teeth. Their function is similar to that of the premolars, to grind, tear, and crush food. Molars have a large flat biting surface which makes them perfect for this job.