Teeth are one of the most important parts of the human body, playing a key role in digestion, speech and the appearance of the face. From birth, through childhood and into adulthood, teeth go through several stages of development. Many of us wonder how many teeth a person actually has at different stages of life and how to care for them properly to enjoy a healthy smile for life. In this post we look at the number of teeth in adults and children, the types of teeth and the best ways to look after them.
An adult usually has 32 teeth, evenly spread across the upper and lower jaw. A full set of permanent teeth consists of eight incisors (four upper and four lower) used for cutting food, four canines (two upper and two lower) that help tear food, eight premolars (four upper and four lower) with flat surfaces for crushing and grinding food, and twelve molars (six upper and six lower), including four wisdom teeth, which are often removed because there isn’t enough room in the mouth.
Babies are born without visible teeth, but their first teeth, known as baby (milk) teeth, start to come through at around six months of age. A full set of baby teeth consists of twenty teeth, which usually appear by the age of three. Baby teeth include eight incisors (four upper and four lower), four canines (two upper and two lower) and eight molars (four upper and four lower). As a child grows, the baby teeth start to fall out and permanent teeth take their place. This process usually begins at around six years of age and lasts until about twelve or thirteen, by which time most permanent teeth are in place.
The first permanent teeth start to appear at around six years of age. This is when the first molars, also known as “six-year molars”, come through behind the last baby teeth. At the same time, the first incisors begin to push out the baby teeth. Permanent teeth usually come through in this order: first molars at six to seven years, central incisors at six to eight, lateral incisors at seven to nine, canines at nine to twelve, premolars at ten to twelve, second molars at eleven to thirteen, and third molars – wisdom teeth – between seventeen and twenty-five, although not everyone gets them.
Human teeth vary in shape and have different jobs in the mouth. The main types are incisors, found at the front of the mouth and used to cut food – they have sharp, thin edges. Canines, next to the incisors, have pointed tips and are used to tear food. Premolars sit between the canines and the molars and have flat surfaces for crushing food. Molars, at the back of the mouth, have wide, flat surfaces for grinding food. Molars are the strongest teeth, because they have to withstand the force of chewing.
Caring for your teeth is essential at every stage of life, for children and adults alike. Brushing at least twice a day is the foundation of oral hygiene. It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with the right bristle firmness. Flossing every day helps remove food debris and plaque from places a toothbrush can’t reach. Regular dental check-ups allow for professional cleaning and early detection and treatment of problems. Limiting sweets and fizzy drinks protects against tooth decay, while eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D supports healthy teeth. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can prevent injuries. Following these rules will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
