admin
Feb 01, 2024
Teeth are not just meant to beautify our smiles but also play a significant role in maintaining our health. They perform the most significant task of biting, chewing and grinding food. It eases the process of digestion, which helps in the quick absorption of nutrients for growth and development. Thus, it makes sense to learn about these small body parts that are influential in our daily routine and must be maintained for hygiene.
Few people know the types of teeth and their respective roles in the mouth. They are called front and back teeth for reference without proper knowledge of their structure and importance. Let us help you understand the four types of teeth and their function. It will give an insight into the anatomy of teeth and why they are required.
What is A Tooth?
Teeth are ectodermal (the outermost layer formed during embryonic development) organs. Adults have 32 permanent teeth, which are among the body's strongest parts. They comprise proteins and minerals and consist of four layers – enamel, dentin, cementum and tooth pulp. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is the outermost layer that protects the tooth from bad bacteria. The deepest layer is the tooth pulp, which contains the connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp is infected, reliable dentists in Hope Island suggest a root canal. However, if the tooth is badly damaged and cannot be saved, it requires extraction. Thus, cavities must be treated at the earliest. The tooth structure has two parts – crown and root. The part visible above the gum is the crown, and the root is the remaining portion covered by the gum. All the teeth work synchronously to grind, cut and chew food that can be swallowed easily.
Four Types of Teeth and Their Functions
Humans have four types of teeth and different functions to perform. These are:
1. Incisors
The front teeth that are usually visible while smiling are known as incisors. They are eight in number, with four in the upper jaw and four in the lower. These can be recognised as the front two teeth and the adjoining one on each side of them. They are thin and even in shape, and dentists in Hope Island refer to them as anterior teeth.
The middle two teeth are called central incisors and the two on either side of them are called lateral incisors. The number of incisors is the same in adults and children. They are the first teeth to erupt in babies and can appear at six months. However, they are temporary incisors that are replaced by permanent incisors between the ages of six and eight. They are used to bite and cut into foods like apples or pears.
2. Canines
The upper and lower jaw canines are placed on each side of the incisors. They are four in number and have a pointed tip like dogs' teeth. They are also known as cuspids or eyeteeth. Children also have four canines that can erupt anywhere from 16 to 20 months. Primary teeth fall off to make way for permanent canines that appear between 9 and 12 years. The lower canines usually erupt earlier than the upper canines.
They are sharp and are used to tear food, such as meat and fresh salads made with crunchy vegetables and fruits. Canines also support the lips and help properly place teeth in the upper and lower jaw when closing the mouth.
3. Premolars
Premolars are bigger teeth that are placed behind the canines in the upper and lower jaw. Dentists in Hope Island refer to them as bicuspids. They are eight in number, with four premolars in the upper jaw and another four in the lower. They have a flat upper surface with ridges, which helps to grind and chew the food before swallowing.
Children do not have premolar teeth. These permanent teeth start erupting between 10 and 12 years. They are among the first molars to appear in the mouth and help to break the food into smaller pieces. They are also helpful in maintaining the shape of the face.
4. Molars
Behind the premolars are the molars, commonly known as back teeth. They chew food, which is led in their direction by the premolars. They are the biggest in size and have a flat surface with ridges that help crush and grind food. Adults have 12 molar teeth, with six in each jaw. Children have only 8 molar teeth, known as primary molars. The remaining four are called last molars or wisdom teeth that erupt between the ages of 17 and 21.
However, many adults do not have all four wisdom teeth. In some cases, these molars stay in the bone and do not come out. In other cases, they may come out halfway in a crooked position. Such wisdom teeth are vulnerable to infection because the brush does not move to these hard-to-reach areas. If the tooth becomes diseased due to infection, it must be extracted by an expert dentist in Hope Island to keep the surrounding teeth protected.
Wrapping Up
Teeth are beautiful additions to our faces and must remain healthy to function appropriately. They help us to chew food, speak properly and keep our faces in perfect shape. So, it is vital to maintain oral hygiene and health at all times.
