How many teeth do we have?

How many teeth do we have? 

Humans are born with toothless gums. The first set of teeth to erupt is the deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, which begin to appear around six months of age. The second set of teeth, the permanent teeth, starts replacing the baby teeth beginning at age 6. These remarkable structures play a vital role in digestion, speech development, and facial aesthetics. Despite similar hardness characteristics, teeth are distinct from bones. 

The types, numbers, and distribution of both sets of human teeth are symmetrical between the right and left sides of the upper and lower teeth, forming mirror images of each other. 

Baby teeth (Deciduous teeth) 

While teething can begin as early as three months, it typically starts between 4 and 7 months. Babies usually get new deciduous teeth every six months. It takes a few years for all baby teeth to erupt. A complete set of baby teeth comprises 20 teeth: 10 upper and 10 lower.  

The types, number, and distribution of baby teeth are: 

• Incisors (8 total): The four front teeth in each jaw are essential for biting and cutting food. 
• Canines (4 total): Pointed teeth next to the incisors, aiding in the tearing and ripping of food. 
• Molars (8 total): Located at the back of the mouth, these have a broad, flat surface for grinding food. 

Deciduous teeth serve as a crucial foundation for jawbone and facial structural development. They also play a role in chewing and speech. However, these temporary teeth are gradually replaced by a more robust set of permanent teeth as the child grows. 

Tooth decay in baby teeth can harm permanent teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to brush them regularly to keep them clean and healthy. 

How to care for baby teeth 

• Establish a brushing routine for children soon after their first teeth erupt. 
• Rub each tooth, including gums, with a clean baby towel soaked in warm water. 
• Let your child chew on a towel to help ease teething pain. 
• Switch to a kid's toothbrush when most deciduous teeth have emerged. You should use a small head brush for thorough teeth brushing. 

Adult teeth (Permanent teeth) 

Shedding of deciduous teeth begins as early as ages 5-6, pushed out by the eruption of permanent teeth. A complete set of adult teeth encompasses 32 teeth. Full eruptions typically occur by the late teens but can be as late as the early twenties. They are arranged symmetrically in the upper and lower jaws, with each type occupying a specific location to optimize their function. 

Adult teeth are of 4 types

• Incisors (8 total): These are the four central upper and lower front teeth. They help cut food while biting and help you sense the texture and kind of food you consume. 
• Canines (4 total): Canines are pointier than other types of teeth. Their locations are adjacent to the upper and lower incisors, one on the left and one on the right, aiding in tearing and ripping tough food, such as meat. 
• Premolars (8 total): Their locations are between the canines and molars, 2 in each quadrant, with a similar appearance to molars. However, they have only two cusps instead of four or five cusps of the molar teeth. Premolars help tear and cut food. 
• Molars (12 total): Molars at the back handle the final grinding to facilitate digestion. Most adults have three molars in each quadrant, including the third molar or wisdom tooth, which erupts last, one in each quadrant. 

Proper alignment of the whole set of all 32 adult teeth is uncommon. Overcrowding, where there is not enough room to fit in all teeth, can lead to the following conditions: 

• Misaligned teeth 
• Increased risk of tooth decay 
• Impacted wisdom teeth. 
• The risk for periodontal disease (Gum disease) 

To avoid overcrowding, some people decide to have their wisdom teeth extracted to forestall overcrowding risk.  

Structural components of a tooth 

Although teeth resemble bones, they are dissimilar. Unlike bones, fractured teeth cannot heal by forming a callus. Another difference is teeth do not have a marrow but contain dental pulp. 

Tooth components include: 

• Enamel: Enamel is the strongest and toughest tissue of the human body. It forms the outermost tooth surface, protecting it from daily wear and tear and bacteria-causing cavities. 
• Dentin: Dentin is the layer under the enamel. It is not as strong as enamel. Exposed dentin increases the risk of cavities. 
• Cementum: Cementum is a connective tissue covering the root of a tooth, anchoring it firmly in the jawbone. 
• Pulp: Occupying the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. 

Common teeth problems 

Common teeth problems include: 

• Bruxism: This excessive grinding can erode the enamel, with increased susceptibility to damage. 
• Dental caries: These happen when bacteria damage the protective enamel layer. 
• Impacted teeth: Teeth impaction is when teeth do not emerge properly and arrest the jawbone below the gum line.  
• Teeth sensitivity: This problem is typically due to worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. 
• Dental injuries: Typically, due to sport-related injuries, they can lead to chipped or cracked teeth. 
• Tooth discoloration: Food, drinks, medications, and others can stain the enamel coating, causing discoloration. 
• Misalignment: Teeth misalignment encompasses several problems, including crooked, rotated, gapped, and crowded teeth. Misalignment can affect your oral health negatively. 
• Tooth abscess: Tooth abscess can happen when bacteria infect the tooth pulp. 
• Gum disease: Gum disease is due to infection affecting and damaging the gum and surrounding soft tissues. Although gum disease starts in the gum, it can affect teeth, leading to tooth loss. 

Treatments 

Common treatments for dental problems include: 

• Dentures
• Dental bonding/filling
• Dental bridges
• Dental crowns
• Dental implants
• Porcelain veneers
• Teeth braces
• Teeth whitening

Prevention

Keeping your teeth healthy is the key to preventing dental problems. Preventive measures include: 

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 
• See a dentist for dental exams and teeth cleanings. 
• Use dental floss and an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the accumulation of bacteria. 

FAQ 

• Is it okay that some of my teeth are missing?
  Some people may be born without certain teeth, while others may lose their teeth from cavities, gum disease, or injuries. Factors to consider regarding whether teeth replacement is required include the location of the missing tooth and the oral health goals. Many teeth replacement options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures, are at the disposal of dentists.
• Why do some dental problems cause pain?
  There are blood vessels and nerves in the pulp of each tooth. If there is tooth pulp bacterial infection, the nerves will send pain signals to the brain. 

A Note from MedPark Hospital 

As the teeth play a crucial role in digestion, speech development, and facial aesthetics, keeping them healthy for as long as possible is essential. Proper dental care is indispensable at every stage of teeth development to ensure a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Regular dental check-ups and consistent daily oral care are essential for preserving dental health and aesthetics.