How many teeth do humans have? This question may seem simple, but its answer shows fascinating perspectives on our biology and the stages of human development. Human's first tooth breaks through during infancy and in adulthood we have a whole set of teeth. Understanding our teeth' number and function can help us learn more about our oral and overall health. Keep reading to discover all the information you need about human teeth number and its reasons!
So, let's get directly to the point: how many teeth are you supposed to have? An adult human typically has a total of 32 teeth, which indicates the complete formation of permanent dentition. This particular number has evolved to regulate the dietary needs and functions of the human mouth by balancing several tasks like cutting, tearing and grinding the food. So, to share the tasks of digesting food, we have developed 4 categories of teeth and each of them serves a specific purpose. Let's see how our 4 different types of teeth work for us!
Incisors (8 teeth): Incisiors are located at the front top and bottom. They are flat and sharp as they are designed primarily for cutting and slicing. Eight incisors ensure that the foods are prepared for further breakdown.
Canines (4 teeth): These teeth are located next to the incisor teeth and they are pointed like the fangs of carnivorous animals. Their function is to tear the food, especially tougher ones like meat. Since its main purpose is tearing the food, four canines are sufficient for this process.
Premolars (8 teeth): These teeth act as a transition part between the tearing function of the canines and the grinding function of the molars. They help in breaking the food down into smaller pieces. The number eight is optimal because provides enough surface area for food processing without overcrowding the mouth.
Molars (12 teeth): These ones are located at the back of the mouth. They are large and flat and we typically have 12 molars including 4 wisdom teeth. They are responsible for the last phase of the chewing-making food easily swallowed. Although having more molars than 12 might seem beneficial, actually this number is exactly what we need. Because modern human jaws can only hold certain number of teeth without crowding and misalignment. That's why wisdom teeth cause issues and need to be removed. Because they are actually "extra" molars and our jaw cannot accomodate them.
We have covered how many teeth do humans have when they are adult but how many teeth child have? There are two phases of tooth development. There are 20 teeth in the first phase, which also known as baby teeth. They are smaller and whiter than the permanent teeth and begin to emerge around 6 months.
Children lose these teeth at the age of six and they are replaced by permanent teeth over time. This is known as exfoliation. The first permanent teeth are generally molars and incisors. The development of two sets of teeth allows humans to adapt to the growing needs of their mouths as they age. Baby teeth serve as placeholders and help children learn to speak and eat properly, while permanent teeth are designed to last a lifetime, provided they are cared for properly.
These two stages and human teeth number meet the needs of a growing mouth. Baby teeth primarily hold the place for permanent teeth and help the children speak and eat. Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime if properly protected from decay or other harms.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gum is very related to overall well-being. Here are some tips to prevent common issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss:
Brushing is the key: Brushing removes plaque, a bacteria that forms on teeth and gums and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing is always beneficial: As toothbrush cannot reach to some areas, flossing daily to remove food particles between teeth are important to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Limit sugary foods/drinks: These substances feed bacteria in the mouth, which create acids that harm the tooth enamel and finally leading to decay.
Neglecting dental care can lead to serious issues that affects your overall health. When it comes to dental health, choosing the right clinic is crucial especially if you require complex procedures. The quality of care you receive and the skill of the dentist can significantly impact the results and durability of your treatments.
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REFERENCES:
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Teeth: Anatomy, types, structure & function. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved August 22, 2024
Hartsfield JK Jr. Premature exfoliation of teeth in childhood and adolescence. Adv Pediatr. 1994;41:453-70. PMID: 7992695.
Mandal, A. (2023, August 22). How many teeth do adults have? Medical News Today.
