Ever noticed, we were much more concerned about our teeth in childhood. Our parents used to remind us to brush our teeth at least two times a day. Now, as adults, we rarely pay attention to our teeth, take them for granted, and rarely even think of the number of teeth we have.
This blog will provide comprehensive details about teeth. From layers to the number of teeth, we have got you covered.
How Many Layers Does a Tooth Have?
Before moving to the layers of teeth, have a look at the surfaces that each tooth has; there are a total of five surfaces of each tooth. Occlusal, the forward-facing side. Mesial, the front of the tooth. Facial, the back side of the tooth, and the lingual, the tooth-facing side.
Each tooth contains three layers: the pulp, the dentin, and the enamel layer.
- Pulp: This is the innermost layer made up of nerves and blood.
- Dentin: The layer between pulp and enamel is dentin, and it is similar to bone tissue.
- Enamel: The white visible layer of teeth that protects the inner layers of the tooth. The outer enamel layer protects teeth from decay and cavities.
How Many Teeth Do a Child Have?
The development process of every baby is different. Some kids develop slowly, and some develop fast. Babies of age one year possess only 2-4 teeth. As they grow to the age of 2-3 years, they get 20 teeth, ten teeth on the top and ten teeth at the bottom. An amazing fact about baby teeth is that they are temporary because a child’s mouth is small size and does not open wide enough to get 32 adult teeth. These temporary teeth help children chew food.
As kids grow older, they lose their temporary teeth and gain permanent teeth one by one. Although baby teeth are temporary, brushing is equally important for them as for adults. The oral health of babies is crucial because tooth decay in babyhood severely impacts adult teeth. It is recommended to brush the baby’s teeth for 2 minutes at least.
How Many Teeth Does an Adult Have?
After children lose their baby teeth up to the age of 7, the development of permanent teeth starts. By the end of teenage adults get a full set of 32 teeth, which include wisdom teeth (third molars).
Functions and Types of Adult Teeth
Each type of tooth is designed differently and has a specific purpose. There are four adult teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. All these make a full set of adult teeth in the mouth.
Let’s get the details of teeth one by one.
Incisors: When you smile, you see the front flat and broad, shovel-like structure. These are incisors, and they are 8 in number, 4 in front, and 4 at bottom. Incisors help in holding and cutting food you eat.
Canines: Canines are similar to incisors, but they have pointed edges and rigid structures that help in griping and tearing hard foods like apples. Canines are also known as cuspids, and they are 4 in number 2 on the upper jaw and the remaining 2 at the bottom.
Premolars: Between cuspids and molars, there are premolars. They are called bicuspids, as they have two cups. Premolars help in cutting and grinding food into tiny pieces. They are 8 in number 4 on the top and 4 at the bottom.
Molars: Finally, there come molars with broad chewing surfaces to grind food before swallowing. There is a total of 4 sets of 3 morals, 4 on the top and 4 at the bottom, and a third moral set that grows in the early 20s, known as wisdom teeth. This wisdom tooth is often extracted.
Do Adult Teeth Regenerate?
The traumatic and distressing fact about adult teeth is that they are unable to regenerate. Once you lose your adult tooth, the only solution to that loss is a dental implants or dentures that are costly. Well, you can save a lost tooth by following some simple steps.
- Locate the tooth and gently handle it by the crown.
- If you find dust on your teeth, then instantly rinse it with cold water carefully.
- When the tooth is clean, immediately insert it back into the socket and press it with your hand so that it fixes properly.
In case you missed these steps, then visit your dentist to seek immediate help. In case you did not find a dentist, then visit an emergency dentist. The dentist will help you relocate the tooth and guide you through further precautions. Otherwise, a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant would be the optimum solution for missing teeth.
Conclusion
Teeth are the grinding machine for the food we eat. Without teeth, humans are unable to enjoy meals. Whether they are the teeth of babies or adults, it is important to ensure proper dental care to have healthy teeth and a pleasant smile.
