There are many different types of teeth, and each has a specific function. Some are used to tear into teeth; others are used to cut through food, while the rest are used to crush and grind down food. When a person is missing a tooth, its function is also lost. That can make it more difficult to perfect simple tasks like speaking and eating.
Here are the main types of human teeth:
The incisors are the first teeth to emerge when a child is born. That holds true for the primary and permanent teeth. The incisors are the most noticeable teeth when it comes to a person's smile since they are the more visible. When discolored, chipped or stained these teeth can drastically change the appearance of a person's smile.
The incisors are used for tearing into foods, and they are the first teeth to make contact with food, tearing it into chewable pieces.
The canines are the next set of teeth to erupt after the incisors. Most people have a total of four canines, with a couple on the top and bottom jaw apiece. The incisors main function is to cut the pieces of food that have been torn by the incisors into smaller pieces that can be ground down.
There are a total of eight premolars. These teeth are the molars that replace the primary ones. They emerge around the age of 10, and they grind down foods into smaller bites that can be quickly swallowed. Not being able to properly break down food before swallowing increases a person's odds of choking.
The molars appear behind all of a person's primary teeth. The first set of molars show up around the age of seven and the second set emerge around the age of 12. There is a lot of variation when it comes to when the third set of molars appear. These are called wisdom teeth, and they are the only types of teeth that are not necessary. Dentists often recommend having wisdom teeth removed to prevent complications from developing down the road.
Regardless of the kind of teeth in question, practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keep them healthy. Proper care of teeth includes:
Brushing twice a day is a most when a person is serious about maintaining healthy teeth. One of the times people should be brushing is right before going to bed. Saliva production is reduced when people sleep, and that leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay. Brushing helps to remove food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces.
Floss is just as important as brushing. Each should be done to at least once each day to keep spaces between teeth clean.
Patients are advised to visit a dentist at least twice a year. Tartar, which facilitates tooth decay, is removed from teeth surfaces and an examination of the mouth is conducted.
Contact one of our dentists to schedule a checkup. We are ready to help guide you in making the best decisions for your teeth and oral health.
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