This month Dr. Hamilton gives the 101 on what tooth structure is, how your teeth grow, function and operate and what the role of each tooth is within the larger ecosystem of your mouth.
Have you ever wondered how your teeth actually work? Or why certain teeth look different? People may not understand how teeth function and today I plan on walking you through the need to know areas surrounding mouth structure.
Image of tooth structure
So why do we have various shaped teeth?
Many people think that all teeth in your mouth serve the same function. Well that isn’t correct. Your mouth is made up of a total of 28-32 teeth. Each type of tooth plays a critical role in the food chewing process while also aiding in speech. We have various shaped teeth which are also different sizes so that we can actively process food as efficiently as possible.
What do each set of teeth do?
Incisors
Adults have 8 incisors, these teeth are located in the top and bottom of our mouth and are the frontmost teeth. These teeth hold a flat and thin shape making them perfect for helping you cut and bite food into manageable pieces for the chewing process.
Canines
Adults have 4 canine teeth. These are often referred to as the “eye’’ teeth, or the cuspids. Canine teeth sit next to your incisors and are pointy in structure. These teeth we use to grip and tear food, and help in the guidance of your mouth movements.
Premolars
Adults have 8 premolars. These teeth are large in diameter and have flat inclines. These teeth are located toward the middle of your mouth arch. We use these teeth to grind food into small enough pieces for digestion. Premolars or (bicuspids) are considered transitional teeth. Meaning they display a combination of attributes found in canines and molars.
Molars
Adults have a total of 8-12 molars. Why the range? Some people are born with ‘third molars’ often referred to as wisdom teeth. Fun Fact: Wisdom teeth are the most commonly missing teeth in humans. Wisdom teeth often are removed if they come into position in the wrong way (impacted), if they cause infection, or to prevent misalignment and overcrowding. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to form, and often don’t erupt until late teens or early twenties. PSA = make sure to get x-rays done at the dentist! Give us a call if you need more information on this topic. Molars are your strongest teeth and work alongside your tongue to break food down so it can be swallowed.
How do teeth develop (from a baby to an adult)
Tooth development or odontogenesis is the complex process by which teeth form from embryonic cells, grow, and erupt into the mouth. For this process to occur there has to be an optimal oral environment and all parts of the tooth must develop during fetal development (pregnancy).
It’s important to note that every child is different and will experience different rates of development. There isn’t anything we can do to accelerate the teething process, so just be patient!
Normally baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, begin to erupt between the ages of 6-12 months. Most primary (baby) teeth will be fully erupted by 33 months. Fun fact - girls tend to have their teeth develop faster than boys.
There are a total of 20 primary teeth which are formed prior to the shedding process. The image below shows the structure of a child’s mouth.
Photo of baby tooth development chart
When do baby teeth begin to fall out?
Much like the eruption process there is a variety of different ages in which primary teeth will begin to shed, and adult teeth will grow into place. So don’t be alarmed if your child doesn’t follow the perfect process. Adult teeth form directly below the baby teeth and during this process begin to move into position. The process of forming and moving causes the roots of the baby teeth to ‘resorb’. This is why the baby teeth get loose, and are able to be shed! Most children will begin to lose their primary incisors around the age of 5-6. The primary molars are usually lost around the age of 11-12, that means they need to be well taken care of until this time, despite only being ‘baby teeth’.
Panoramic Xray showing baby teeth with adult teeth beginning to form underneath
The mouth really is a fascinating structure that does so much for our speech and food processing, and esthetic. It’s critical that we take good care of our oral health. We are happy to address any questions you might have, or if you are looking for a dentist, our clinic is accepting new patients.
Please call 306-931-0000
PS: Check out our blog for other interesting oral health topics!
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