Can you name every type of tooth in your mouth? Do you know how many of each tooth you have or what your teeth do?
As you might know, you mouth is full of four different types of teeth, including cuspids, molars, premolars, and incisors. Altogether, you have thirty-two teeth (including your four wisdom teeth which may need to be removed). Children will generally have twenty teeth, which should start coming in when they are about six months old. Incidentally, we recommend bringing your child to the dentist about six months after their first tooth comes in.
Of course, each of your teeth have a different function. For instance, incisors are used for cutting food. Cuspids, which are also known as canines, are used for tearing and grasping. Premolars are used for crushing and tearing food, while molars are used for grinding and chewing.
While this information could be useful, it’s important to know that if you don’t care for your smile well, you could damage your teeth. If you wear your teeth down or crack your smile, your teeth won’t function as well as they could, you could experience pain in your jaw, or be more prone to tooth decay.
Similarly, it can be important to understand a tooth’s structure. Consisting of three portions, the crown is the visible part of the tooth and the root is the portion that moves through your gums and into the bone. Between the two is a tooth’s neck. If the center of your crown is injured, you could have to deal with tooth discoloration or need root canal therapy.
If you would like to learn more about how you can care for your pearly white, please don’t hesitate to contact Baxter Dental at 218-829-4207. Dr. Timmons, Dr. Carlson, and our team are excited to hear from you.