Overview

Teeth are hard, calcified structures embedded in the jawbones of humans and animals, primarily serving in the mechanical breakdown of food during mastication. Composed of enamel, dentin, and pulp, teeth play a crucial role in oral function and are essential for speech, aesthetics, and overall well-being.

Your teeth play an essential part in digestion. Foods are crushed and chopped so they are more straightforward to swallow. Teeth are ectodermal organs despite having a more bone-like appearance. Your skin, hair, and sweat glands are examples of additional ectodermal organs. The average adult has thirty-two permanent teeth. However, some individuals have hypodontia and hyperdontia from birth. The 20 main teeth that emerge in most kids fall between 4 months and 6 years.

Anatomy of Teeth

- Articulating surfaces. The tooth's function is accommodated by the articulating surfaces on the uppermost portion of the crown of each tooth. Due to this, the premolars and molars contain cusps, pits, and fissures that allow them to ground and mash food into an edible form. Still, the front teeth, which run from the right canine to the left canine, have a single intelligent edge that can clamp down upon and rip away at a piece of food.
- Crown. The tooth's visible portion in the mouth is called the crown, while the tooth's base is concealed behind the gingiva and alveolar bone. Depending on the enamel thickness, patient age, dental cleanliness, and lifestyle choices, it can range in hue from pearl white to yellow. The outermost covering of a tooth is called enamel, and it is incredibly strong and resilient.
- Root. No matter how many roots a tooth has, it is made up of two of the three layers that were previously discussed. The pulp chamber extends from the crown into the roots and ends at the root's apex, where an aperture permits the pulp chamber's structures to come and go.

[caption id="attachment_23317" align="alignnone" width="1502"] Anatomy of the human tooth[/caption]

Types of Teeth

- Incisors. The pointed teeth at the front of the mouth, called incisors, bite into food and chop it into smaller pieces. They have a narrow edge and are flat. They go by the name anterior teeth as well. Eight incisors are present in both adults and children. Two lateral incisors are positioned on each side of the four central incisors, which are located in the front of the mouth.
- Canines. The teeth next to the incisors that resemble fangs are called canines. They are sharp and pointy. They are sometimes referred to as eyetens or cuspids by dentists. The canines, the longest teeth in the human mouth, are used for tearing food.
- Premolars. Bicuspids, or premolars, are larger than canines and incisors. They aid in chewing and grinding up food because of their many ridges. Eight premolars are present in adults. The teeth next to the canines are the first and second premolars. Premolar teeth are absent in young children. When kids are 10 to 12 years old, these teeth erupt for the first time as permanent teeth.
- Molars. The largest teeth in the human mouth are the molars. They can chew and crush food on their flat, rigid surfaces. Children have eight primary molars, and adults have twelve permanent molars, six on each side of the lower and upper jaw.

[caption id="attachment_23316" align="alignnone" width="1582"] Types of human teeth[/caption]

Functions of Teeth

Teeth are mostly used for chewing, even if they aid in speech. Food may be swallowed and digested more readily when it is sliced and ground into little pieces by the teeth. However, the purposes of the various types of teeth vary. Food is chopped into smaller pieces by the canines, which the tongue and teeth carry to the mouth's rear. Premolars are primarily responsible for starting the food-grinding process. The molars' job is to break up the meal into smaller bits to facilitate easier swallowing.

Care

The secret to healthy teeth and gums is practising good oral hygiene. Here are a few broad recommendations:

- See your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.
- Ensure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily.
- Make use of fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Once a day, floss between your teeth.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash without alcohol.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Your digestive system depends heavily on the function of your teeth. Before ingesting food, they aid in biting, tearing, and grinding it up. Regular dental checkups and at-home oral hygiene routines are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth. Your teeth may last a lifetime if you take good care of them.

References

- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24655-teeth
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326754