Teeth

The human teeth function to mechanically break down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digesting. Humans have four types of teeth incisors canine’s premolars and molars each with a specific function. The incisors cut the food the canines tear the food and the molars and premolars crush the food. The roots of teeth are embedded in the maxilla upper jaw or the mandible lower jaw and are covered by gums. Teeth are made of multiple tissues of varying density and hardness. Teeth are among the most distinctive and long lasting features of mammal species. Humans like other mammals are diphyodont meaning that they develop two sets of teeth. The first set called the baby milk primary or deciduous set normally starts to appear at about six months of age although some babies are born with one or more visible teeth known as natal teeth. Normal tooth eruption at about six months is known as teething and can be painful. Among deciduous primary teeth ten are found in the maxilla upper jaw and ten in the mandible lower jaw for a total of 20. In the primary set of teeth there are two types of incisors centrals and laterals and two types of molars first and second. All primary teeth are normally later replaced with their permanent counterparts. Among permanent teeth 16 are found in the maxilla and 16 in the mandible for a total of 32. Development of fewer than the usual number of teeth is called hypodontia. The first step is to find the cause. It could be cavities worn tooth enamel or fillings gum disease fractured teeth or exposed roots. Once your dentist figures out the problem you might need a filling, a root canal or treatment of your gums to replace tissue lost at the root. In general gum disease can be caused by long term exposure to plaque the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping. Some tips to help you look after your teeth. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel causing holes cavities or caries. In severe cases teeth may be eaten right down to the gum. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids. Wear a mouth guard or full face helmet when playing sports. If possible hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately. If you use them to crack nuts remove bottle tops or rip open packaging you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.