When you’re eating, drinking, or talking, you’re probably not thinking too deeply about how you’re able to do these things. Your teeth play an important role in all these activities, so you must protect them!
Not only can healthy teeth help you feel more confident and smile more, but strong teeth also support your jawbones and provide face symmetry. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of your teeth and how your McAllen dentist can help you protect your dental health!
How Many Teeth Do We Have?
Children start with ten baby teeth, also called primary teeth. As kids grow, usually between the ages of 6 and 12, they lose their baby teeth, making room for their adult teeth.
Adults have 32 permanent teeth, but you may have fewer if you’ve lost teeth or had to have them pulled. Most people have all their adult teeth in place by the time they are 21.
What Kind of Teeth Do We Have, and Where Are They?
There are four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Children have only four incisors, two canines, and four molars. Adults have eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and 12 molars (four of which are wisdom teeth).
Incisors are your “front teeth,” located right at the front of your mouth. There are four on top and four on the bottom. Next to your incisors are your canines, also called cuspids. Canines are the pointy teeth you see when you smile.
After the cuspids come the premolars, also called bicuspids. There are two on each side on the top and bottom of your mouth. But the biggest and strongest of your teeth come last—the molars. There are 12 molars total, three on both sides of the upper and lower jaw. The last set of molars is your wisdom teeth. Not everyone will have enough room for their wisdom teeth and may need to have them extracted.
What Purpose Do Our Teeth Serve?
Together, your teeth help you eat, drink, talk, and form your facial structure. But each type of tooth has its own job.
Incisors are sharp and help you bite into things, while the canines are perfect for tearing food since they are pointy. The premolars and molars are flatter and have ridges, which help grind food into smaller pieces.
Heroes Dental to the Rescue: Protect All Your Teeth With a Check-up!
As you can see, each tooth has a specific purpose and design, which means you need to protect each and every one! Having a healthy mouth with strong teeth can make a difference in your eating, drinking, and talking habits, as well as help your facial structure as you age.
And don’t forget—a healthy smile builds confidence! Smile more this year by reaching out to the experienced and fun-loving dentists at Heroes Dental. Let us help you keep your dental health going strong!