Humans develop two sets of teeth in our lifetime: primary and secondary. The primary teeth are commonly referred to as “baby teeth” because they begin growing in infancy and are eventually replaced by secondary teeth. These “adult teeth” develop between the ages of six and 12 years old.
The average adult human usually has 32 adult teeth but they are not all the same. Your teeth have different jobs based on their shapes. They are comparable to the players on your favorite football team: each has plays their own position but they work as a team.
Incisors: These are the eight teeth in the front of your mouth that you see when you smile. We have four incisors on the bottom and four on top. These are used primarily for biting off pieces of food.
Canines: These teeth are named after a canine’s (dog’s) fangs due to their sharp, pointed appearance. Humans have four canines, two on top and two on the bottom, with one on either side of our incisors. Canine teeth are used to rip and tear food.
Bicuspids: We use our bicuspids, also called premolars, to chew and grind our food. The four bicuspids are located behind each of the canine teeth.
Molars: Humans have eight molars in total. These flat-topped teeth, also used for chewing and grinding, grow at the rear of your mouth, four on top and four on the bottom, two on each side. Molars are an area that commonly experience tooth decay due the fact that they are used constantly but can be difficult to clean as thoroughly.
Many people also grow third molars, more commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth” due to their late arrival (late teens to early twenties). Four third molars will erupt, one each side, top and bottom. Wisdom teeth that fail to emerge are said to be impacted and require a surgical procedure to remove. These are also prone to tooth decay due to their location at the very rear of the mouth.
Now that you know you teeth a little better, you will be better able to communicate with Dr. Blaylock when you may be having a problem. For example, if you have pain in the top front of your mouth when you bite, you may have an issue with one of your top incisors. At the very least, maybe you now appreciate the roles your teeth play in chewing on your food. It’s been said that a good team is only as strong as its weakest player. This is why it’s important to schedule regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Blaylock in Durham, NC. To schedule call 984-213-4695 or request an appointment online.
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