BBC Science & Nature - Human Body and Mind - Skeleton Layer Food processing: Teeth cut through and chew up food, preparing it for digestion Enamel: Is the hardest substance in the human body Tooth decay: Bacteria in your mouth produce acid which rots your teeth Teeth break down food Your teeth prepare food for digestion by breaking it down and chewing it up. They do this by cutting, tearing, crushing and grinding: Your eight flat front teeth are good for biting, scraping and cutting. They are called incisors Your four cone shaped canines are good at piercing and tearing food The teeth that crush and grind your food are your eight blunt premolars and your twelve broader, larger molars Hard teeth have a soft centre Your teeth are covered in enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body. It covers the exposed part of your teeth above your gum. The roots of your teeth are fixed into a socket in your jawbone. Although your teeth are hard on the outside, they actually have a soft centre. Inside your teeth is a cavity filled with pulp. Pulp is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve fibres. It supplies nutrients to your teeth. The pulp cavity extends into the root of your teeth, forming the root canal.

Two sets of teeth The first set of teeth known as deciduous or milk teeth erupts through the gums between eight months and three years of age. Milk teeth become loose and start to fall out as permanent teeth push through the gums at about six years of age. A full set of 32 permanent teeth is complete when wisdom teeth appear in the late teens or early twenties. The reason you have two sets of teeth probably comes down to size. A full set of permanent teeth would be too big to fit into a young child's mouth. So milk teeth act as a bridge until the jaw is large enough to accommodate a full set of permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth The last teeth that emerge are your wisdom teeth. It's not clear what their function is, but some experts believe they're a remnant from a time when our ancestors had a more rugged diet and, as a result, longer, larger jaws. Now our jaws are smaller, there often isn't enough room for them, which is why wisdom teeth can cause problems. Tooth decay There are bacteria in your mouth that multiply when you eat sweet food. As these bacteria feed on food stuck on your teeth, they produce acid.

This acid can dissolve enamel and eat through a tooth, right down to the nerve in its pulp cavity. A hole in a tooth like this provides a route for bacteria in your mouth to cause nasty infections in the root of a tooth. This can result in excruciating toothache. Teeth (as part of the Digestive System) Teeth (as part of the Digestive System) Teeth (sometimes called "dentes") are accessory organs of the human digestive system. They are located in the buccal cavity, which is also known as the oral cavity and as the mouth . There are normally four types of teeth in an adult human mouth. 1.0 The Functions of Teeth Teeth are the organs of chewing, which is also known as mastication. Teeth cut, tear and grind food in the mouth, enabling it to be mixed with saliva (from the salivary glands) effectively and therefore swallowed more easily. The actions performed by the teeth are all mechanical - as opposed to chemical. How do the functions of teeth contribute to the process of digestion ? The actions of the teeth (incl. cutting, tearing and grinding) increase the surface area of the food in the mouth.

This enables the digestive enzymes greater access to the food material and so assists their role in the digestive process. What aspects /features of the teeth lead to their effectiveness ? Hard Surfaces The teeth have hard surfaces because the crown of the teeth are covered by tooth enamel which is the hardest substance in the human body. Shape Different types of teeth have different shapes which are adapted to different actions. For example, of the human teeth, incisors have the sharpest edges and their shape makes them good for cutting food - whereas the molars have much larger and relatively flatter surfaces which are good for grinding food between the upper- and lower- molars. 2.0 Milk Teeth and Permanent Teeth Humans usually develop two sets of teeth over a lifetime - so we are "diphyodonts". A child's first set of teeth is referred to by many different names, including: milk teeth temporary teeth reborner teeth This first set of teeth usually starts to erupt about six months after birth - although some babies are born with one or more visible teeth, which are called neonatal teeth. The process of milk teeth emerging through the gums can be painful. Milk teeth start to be replaced by adult teeth (also called permanent teeth) from the age of about 6 years.

Most people have an almost-complete set of adult teeth by the age of about 12 years. The last of the adult teeth to emerge are the wisdom teeth, which can take a few more years to appear - usually between the ages of about 17 and 21. Note that the ages mentioned above are all approximate. It has been known for some people to retain one or two "milk teeth" late into adulthood, although this is rare. Likewise "adult teeth" can appear relatively early or relatively late in some individual cases. 3.0 Teeth in other animals Different animals develop different numbers of sets of teeth over their lifetime. They can be classified as: monophyodont - an animal that develops only one set of teeth diphyodont - an animal with two successive sets of teeth, e.g. most mammals, including humans. polyphyodont - an animal that develops many sets of teeth over its lifetime, e.g. many fish. Sharks grow a new set of teeth every two weeks, replacing worn teeth. A polyphyodont is also defined as an animal whose teeth grow back when lost e.g. when teeth are lost while catching prey or eating. The shape of an animal's teeth are generally suited to its natural diet.

Although many animals (including humans) have several different types of teeth within each set of teeth, the range of types of teeth, their shape(s) and the proportions of each type of tooth an animal has depends on the type of food its species has developed to eat. Many forms of vegetation such as leaves and stalks are fibrous and relatively difficult to digest so plant-eating animals (called herbivores) tend to have have many molars for chewing and grinding e.g. horses have 12 premolars and 12 molars, see left. In contrast, some meat-eating animals (called carnivores) use their teeth to catch and kill prey and may need teeth to tear flesh before chewing and grinding it. The use dogs make of their different types of teeth is an interesting example. They use incisors to nibble meat from bones and for grooming. Their canine teeth, sometimes called "fangs", are used by wild dogs and wolves to grab and rip their prey. The premolars on either side of dogs' upper and lower jaws are shearing teeth used in the wild to rip chunks of flesh from prey, and their molars are the crushing teeth used in the wild to crack bones and by domestic dogs to crunch biscuits.

Another example of animal teeth suited to their diet is that of snakes' teeth that curve backwards, i.e. angled toward the throat, and act as hooks to preventing live prey from wiggling loose. Replacing whole teeth when they wear out or continuously growing teeth as they wear - so they don't wear out ... In the cases of some animals, their teeth are not replaced by a new set of teeth but, instead, individual teeth grow continually, compensating for the wear that they are subjected to by constant use. For example, the incisor teeth of some rodents e.g. beavers grow continuously at about the same rate that they are worn down by use - hence they maintain a similar length throughout the adult life of the animal. Some rodents such as guinea pigs and rabbits have continuously growing molar teeth as well as continuously growing incisors. Teeth - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Head and Neck > Teeth Teeth The teeth are a group of hard organs found in the oral cavity. We use teeth to masticate (or chew) food into tiny pieces. They also provide shape to the mouth and face and are important components in producing speech. A tooth can be divided into two main parts: the crown and root.

Found above the gum line, the crown is the enlarged region of the tooth involved in chewing. Like an actual crown, the crown of a tooth has many ridges on its top surface to aid in the chewing of food. Below the gum line is the region of the tooth called the root, which anchors the tooth into a bony socket known as an alveolus.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Teeth: Dental Plaque and Periodontal Disease Full Teeth Description [Continued from above] . . . Roots are tapered structures resembling the roots of plants, and each tooth may have between one to three roots. The exterior surface of the root is covered in a bone-like mixture of calcium and collagen fibers known as cementum. Cementum provides grip for the periodontal ligaments that anchor the root to the surrounding alveolus. Each tooth is an organ consisting of three layers: the pulp, dentin, and enamel. The pulp of the tooth is a vascular region of soft connective tissues in the middle of the tooth.

Tiny blood vessels and nerve fibers enter the pulp through small holes in the tip of the roots to support the hard outer structures. Stem cells known as odontoblasts form the dentin of the tooth at the edge of the pulp. Surrounding the pulp is the dentin, a tough, mineralized layer of tissue. Dentin is much harder than the pulp due to the presence of collagen fibers and hydroxylapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral that is one of the strongest materials found in nature. The structure of the dentin layer is very porous, allowing nutrients and materials produced in the pulp to spread through the tooth. The enamel – the white, outer layer of the crown – forms an extremely hard, nonporous cap over the dentin. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is made almost exclusively of hydroxylapatite. Teeth are classified into four major groups: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Incisors are chisel-shaped teeth found in the front of the mouth and have a flat apical surface for cutting food into smaller bits. Canine teeth, also known as cuspids, are sharply pointed, cone-shaped teeth that are used for ripping tough material like meat.

They flank the incisors on both sides. Premolars (bicuspids) and molars are large, flat-surfaced teeth found in the back of the mouth. Peaks and valleys on the flat apical surface of premolars and molars are used for chewing and grinding food into tiny pieces. Babies are born without teeth, but grow a temporary set of twenty deciduous teeth (eight incisors, four canines, and eight molars) between the ages of six months and three years. Baby teeth fill the child’s tiny jaws and allow the child to chew food while larger, stronger adult teeth develop inside the mandible and maxilla bones. At about six years of age the deciduous teeth are slowly shed one at a time and replaced by permanent adult teeth. Adult teeth develop while hidden within the maxilla and mandible after the deciduous teeth have erupted. When an adult tooth erupts, it triggers the roots of the deciduous tooth above it to atrophy. This causes the baby tooth to become loose and eventually fall out. The new permanent tooth slowly pushes up through the gums to replace the baby tooth. Eventually, a total of thirty-two permanent adult teeth form and erupt.

The adult teeth are arranged in both the upper and lower jaws from the midline of the mouth as follows: central incisor, lateral incisor, canine (cuspid), first premolar (bicuspid), second premolar, first molar, second molar, and third molar. The first twenty-eight adult teeth are fully erupted by the age of eleven to thirteen with the third molars, known as wisdom teeth, erupting in the back of the jaw several years later in early adulthood. Sometimes the wisdom teeth become impacted when they grow and become wedged at an abnormal position in the jaws and fail to erupt. In some cases there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate a third set of molars. In both cases the wisdom teeth are surgically removed, as they are not needed to properly chew food. Mastication, or chewing, is the main function of the teeth. The teeth are aligned in the jaws so that the peaks of one tooth align with the valleys of its counterpart on the other jaw. Every bite forces food into the interface of the teeth to be chopped, while lateral motion of the jaw is used to grind food in the premolars and molars.

Tooth decay and cavities are important health concerns related to the teeth. The enamel that covers the crown in each tooth can be broken down by acids produced by bacteria that live in the mouth and assist in digestion of small bits of food. This process of enamel erosion by acids is called decay. To prevent decay, good oral hygiene, consisting of daily brushing and flossing, is necessary. Decay can eventually lead to cavities, also known as dental caries, where holes appear in the enamel and expose the dentin. Cavities require medical intervention to prevent their growth, usually resulting in the removal of the affected tissue and the filling of the cavity with a hard material to restore the strength and function of the tooth. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Mouth and Teeth Mouth and Teeth La boca y los dientes A smile is the facial expression that most engages others. With the help of the teeth — which provide structural support for the face muscles — the mouth also forms a frown and other expressions that show on your face. The mouth also plays a key role in the digestive system , but it does much more than get digestion started. The mouth — especially the teeth, lips, and tongue — is essential for speech.

The tongue, which allows us to taste, also helps form words when we speak. The lips that line the outside of the mouth both help hold food in while we chew and pronounce words when we talk. With the lips and tongue, teeth help form words by controlling air flow out of the mouth. The tongue strikes the teeth as certain sounds are made. The hardest substances in the body, the teeth are also necessary for chewing (or mastication) — the process by which we tear, cut, and grind food in preparation for swallowing. Chewing allows enzymes and lubricants released in the mouth to further digest food. Here's how each aspect of the mouth and teeth plays an important role in our daily lives. continue Basic Anatomy of the Mouth and Teeth The entrance to the digestive tract, the mouth is lined with mucous membranes. The membrane-covered roof of the mouth is called the palate. The front part consists of a bony portion called the hard palate, with a fleshy rear part called the soft palate. The hard palate divides the mouth and the nasal passages above. The soft palate forms a curtain between the mouth and the throat, or pharynx, to the rear.

The soft palate contains the uvula, the dangling flesh at the back of the mouth. The tonsils are located on either side of the uvula and look like twin pillars holding up the opening to the pharynx. A bundle of muscles extends from the floor of the mouth to form the tongue. The upper surface of the tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae. These contain tiny pores that are our taste buds. Four main kinds of taste buds are found on the tongue — those that sense sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Three pairs of salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains a digestive enzyme called amylase that starts the breakdown of carbohydrates even before food enters the stomach. The lips are covered with skin on the outside and with slippery mucous membranes on the inside of the mouth. The major lip muscle, called the orbicularis oris, allows for the lips' mobility. The reddish tint of the lips comes from underlying blood vessels. The inside portion of both lips is connected to the gums. There are several types of teeth. Incisors are the squarish, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth. There are four on the bottom and four on the top.

On either side of the incisors are the sharp canines. The upper canines are sometimes called eyeteeth or cuspids. Behind the canines are the premolars, or bicuspids. There are two sets, or four premolars, in each jaw. The molars, situated behind the premolars, have points and grooves. There are 12 molars — three sets in each jaw called the first, second, and third molars. The third molars are the wisdom teeth, thought by some to have evolved thousands of years ago when human had larger jaws and ate mostly raw foods that required extra chewing power. But because they can crowd out the other teeth or cause problems like pain or infection, a dentist might need to remove them. Human teeth are made up of four different types of tissue: pulp, dentin, enamel, and cementum. The pulp is the innermost portion of the tooth and consists of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which nourish the tooth. The pulp has two parts — the pulp chamber, which lies in the crown, and the root canal, which is in the root of the tooth.

Blood vessels and nerves enter the root through a small hole in its tip and extend through the canal into the pulp chamber. Dentin surrounds the pulp. A hard yellow substance, it makes up most of the tooth and is as hard as bone. It's the dentin that gives teeth their yellowish tint. Enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, covers the dentin and forms the outermost layer of the crown. It enables the tooth to withstand the pressure of chewing and protects it from harmful bacteria and changes in temperature from hot and cold foods. Both the dentin and pulp extend into the root. A layer of cementum covers the outside of the root, under the gum line, and holds the tooth in place within the jawbone. Cementum is also as hard as bone. previous continue Normal Development of the Mouth and Teeth Humans are diphyodont, meaning that they develop two sets of teeth. The first set of 20 deciduous teeth are also called the milk, primary, temporary, or baby teeth. They begin to develop before birth and begin to fall out when a child is around 6 years old. They're replaced by a set of 32 permanent teeth, which are also called secondary or adult teeth.

Around the 8th week after conception, oval-shaped tooth buds consisting of cells form in the embryo. These buds begin to harden about the 16th week. Although teeth aren't visible at birth, both the primary and permanent teeth are forming below the gums. The crown, or the hard enamel-covered part that's visible in the mouth, develops first. After the crown is formed, the root begins to develop. Between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, the deciduous teeth begin to push through the gums. This process is called eruption or teething . At this point, the crown is complete and the root is almost fully formed. By the time a child is 3 years old, he or she has a set of 20 deciduous teeth, 10 in the lower and 10 in the upper jaw. Each jaw has four incisors, two canines, and four molars. The molars' purpose is to grind food, and the incisors and canine teeth are used to bite into and tear food. The primary teeth help the permanent teeth erupt in their normal positions; most of the permanent teeth form close to the roots of the primary teeth.

When a primary tooth is preparing to fall out, its root begins to dissolve. This root has completely dissolved by the time the permanent tooth below it is ready to erupt. Kids start to lose their primary teeth, or baby teeth, at about 6 years old. This begins a phase of permanent tooth development that lasts over the next 15 years, as the jaw steadily grows into its adult form. From ages 6 to 9, the incisors and first molars start to come in. Between ages 10 and 12, the first and second premolars, as well as the canines, erupt. From 11 to 13, the second molars come in. The wisdom teeth (third molars) erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Sometimes there isn't room in a person's mouth for all the permanent teeth. If this happens, the wisdom teeth may get stuck, or impacted, beneath the gum and may need to be removed. Overcrowding of the teeth is one of the reasons kids get braces. previous continue What the Mouth and Teeth Do The first step of digestion involves the mouth and teeth. Food enters the mouth and is immediately broken down into smaller pieces by our teeth.

Each type of tooth serves a different function in the chewing process. Incisors cut foods when you bite into them. The sharper and longer canines tear food. The premolars, which are flatter than the canines, grind and mash food. Molars, with their points and grooves, are responsible for the most vigorous chewing. All the while, the tongue helps to push the food up against our teeth. During chewing salivary glands in the walls and floor of the mouth secrete saliva, which moistens the food and helps break it down even more. Saliva makes it easier to chew and swallow foods (especially dry foods), and it contains enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates. Once food has been converted into a soft, moist mass, it's pushed into the throat (or pharynx) at the back of the mouth and is swallowed. When we swallow, the soft palate closes off the nasal passages from the throat to prevent food from entering the nose. previous continue Problems of the Mouth and Teeth Proper dental care — including a good diet, frequent cleaning of the teeth after eating, and regular dental checkups — is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding tooth decay and gum disease.

Common mouth and dental diseases and conditions — some of which can be prevented, some of which cannot — are: Disorders of the Mouth Aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) . A common form of mouth ulcer, canker sores affect women more often than in men. Although their cause isn't completely understood, mouth injuries, stress, dietary deficiencies, hormonal changes (such as the menstrual cycle), or food allergies can trigger them. They usually appear on the inner surface of the cheeks or lips, under the tongue, on the soft palate, or at the base of the gums. They begin with a tingling or burning sensation followed by a painful sore called an ulcer. Pain subsides in 7 to 10 days, with complete healing usually occurring in 1 to 3 weeks. Cleft lip and cleft palate . These are birth defects in which the tissues of the lip and/or mouth don't form properly during fetal development. Children born with these disorders may have trouble feeding immediately after birth. Reconstructive surgery in infancy and sometimes later can repair the anatomical defects, and can prevent or lessen the severity of speech problems later on. Enteroviral stomatitis.

This common childhood infection is caused by a family of viruses called enteroviruses. An important member of this family is coxsackievirus , which causes hand, foot, and mouth disease. Enteroviral stomatitis is marked by small, painful ulcers in the mouth that may decrease a child's desire to eat and drink and put him or her at risk for dehydration. Herpetic stomatitis (oral herpes). Kids can get a mouth infection with the herpes simplex virus from an adult or another child who has it. The infection can spread by direct contact, such as kissing, or by sharing utensils or a cup with someone with the virus. The resulting painful, clustered vesicles, or blisters, can make it difficult to drink or eat, which can lead to dehydration, especially in a young child. Periodontal disease. The gums and bones supporting the teeth are subject to disease. A common periodontal disease is gingivitis — inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. The accumulation of tartar (a hardened film of food particles and bacteria that builds up on teeth) usually causes this condition, and it's almost always the result of inadequate brushing and flossing.

When gingivitis isn't treated, it can lead to periodontitis, in which the gums loosen around the teeth and pockets of bacteria and pus form, sometimes damaging the supporting bone and causing tooth loss. Disorders of the Teeth Cavities and tooth decay. When bacteria and food particles stick to the teeth, plaque forms. The bacteria digest the carbohydrates in the food and produce acid, which dissolves the tooth's enamel and causes a cavity. If the cavity isn't treated, the decay process progresses to involve the dentin and pulp. Without treatment, serious infections can occur. The most common ways to treat cavities and more serious tooth decay problems are: filling the cavity; performing root canal therapy, involving the removal of the pulp of a tooth; crowning a tooth with a cap that looks like a tooth made of metal, porcelain, or plastic; or removing and replacing the tooth. A common cause of tooth decay in toddlers is "baby bottle tooth decay," which occurs when a child goes to sleep with a milk or juice bottle in the mouth and the teeth are bathed in sugary liquid for an extended period of time. To avoid tooth decay and cavities, do not give your child a bottle when going to sleep.

Also, teach your kids good dental habits — including proper tooth-brushing techniques — at an early age. Impacted wisdom teeth. In many people, the wisdom teeth are unable to erupt normally so they either remain below the jawline or don't grow in properly. Dentists call these teeth impacted. Wisdom teeth usually become impacted because the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate all the teeth that are growing in and the mouth becomes overcrowded. Impacted teeth can damage other teeth or become painful and infected. Dentists can check if a person has impacted wisdom teeth by taking X-rays of the teeth. If the X-rays show there's a chance that impacted teeth may cause problems, the dentist may recommend that the tooth or teeth be extracted. Malocclusion is the failure of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws to meet properly. Types of malocclusion include overbite, underbite, and crowding. Most conditions can be corrected with treatment such as braces, which are metal or clear ceramic brackets bonded to the front of each tooth. The wires connecting braces are tightened periodically to force the teeth to move into the correct position. There are also ways to correct the bite using removable clear appliances.

The Teeth (Human Anatomy): Diagram, Names, Number, and Conditions Next The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. Besides being essential for chewing, the teeth play an important role in speech. Parts of the teeth include: • Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the tooth . Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral. • Dentin: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance. • Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth. • Cementum: A layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone. • Periodontal ligament: Tissue that helps hold the teeth tightly against the jaw. A normal adult mouth has 32 teeth, which (except for wisdom teeth ) have erupted by about age 13: • Incisors (8 total): The middlemost four teeth on the upper and lower jaws. • Canines (4 total): The pointed teeth just outside the incisors. • Premolars (8 total): Teeth between the canines and molars.

• Molars (8 total): Flat teeth in the rear of the mouth , best at grinding food. • Wisdom teeth or third molars (4 total): These teeth erupt at around age 18, but are often surgically removed to prevent displacement of other teeth. The crown of each tooth projects into the mouth . The root of each tooth descends below the gum line, into the jaw. Teeth Conditions Cavities (caries): Bacteria evade removal by brushing and saliva and damage the enamel and deeper structures of teeth. Most cavities occur on molars and premolars. Tooth decay : A general name for disease of the teeth, including cavities and caries. Periodontitis : Inflammation of the deeper structures of the teeth (periodontal ligament, jawbone, and cementum). Poor oral hygiene is usually to blame. Gingivitis : Inflammation of the surface portion of the gums, around and between the crowns of the teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis . Plaque : A sticky, colorless film made of bacteria and the substances they secrete. Plaque develops quickly on teeth after eating sugary food, but can be easily brushed off.

Tartar : If plaque is not removed, it mixes with minerals to become tartar, a harder substance. Tartar requires professional cleaning for removal. Overbite : The upper teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth. Underbite : The lower teeth protrude significantly past the upper teeth. Rinsing teeth : Rinsing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash kills bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease . Teeth cleaning : Professional teeth cleaning every six months may help prevent teeth and gum disease. Tooth filling : Drilling out the diseased part of a tooth and packing the space with a mineral filling can prevent a cavity from destroying the tooth. Root canal : The deep pulp of a tooth is drilled out, cleaned, and filled. A root canal is done when damage to the teeth has affected the deep pulp. Tooth extraction : If a tooth is too damaged to repair with a filling or root canal, it may be removed. Wisdom teeth are often extracted to prevent displacement of the other teeth. Braces : An artificial device or system that places teeth under tension for a long period of time. Eventually, braces can help crooked teeth become realigned.

Mouth guard : A plastic mouthpiece can provide protection from teeth grinding and injury during sports. Dental sealants : A plastic sealant applied to the teeth can help block bacteria from hiding in crevices on teeth surfaces. Sealants can help prevent cavities. Teeth whitening : Over-the-counter and professional chemical treatments can bleach teeth to a brighter white. Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect. WebMD Image Collection Reviewed by William Blahd, MD on October 22, 2015 Sources Tooth | definition of tooth by Medical dictionary Tooth | definition of tooth by Medical dictionary Related to tooth: toothache , Tooth abscess tooth [to̳th] (pl. teeth) one of the small bonelike structures of the jaws for biting and mastication of food; they also help in the shaping of sounds and forming of words in speech. Structure. The portion of a tooth that rises above the gum is the crown; the portion below is the root. The crown is covered by enamel , which is related to the epithelial tissue of the skin and is the hardest substance in the human body. The surface of the root is composed of a bonelike tissue called cementum .

Underneath the surface enamel and cementum is a substance called dentin , which makes up the main body of the tooth. Within the dentin, in a space in the center of the tooth, is the dental pulp , a soft, sensitive tissue that contains nerves and blood and lymph vessels. The cementum, dentin, and pulp are formed from connective tissue. Typical deciduous teeth. Typical permanent teeth. (See color plates.) Covering the root of the tooth and holding it in place in its alveolus (socket) in the jaw is a fibrous connective tissue called the periodontium . Its many strong fibers are embedded in the cementum and also the wall of the tooth socket. The periodontium not only helps hold the tooth in place but also acts to cushion it against the pressure caused by biting and chewing. There are 20 primary teeth, called also deciduous teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth, which are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth, evenly divided between the upper and lower jaws. Teeth have different shapes because they have different functions. The incisors, in the front of the mouth, are shaped like a cone with a sharp flattened end, and cut the food.

There are eight deciduous and permanent incisors, four upper and four lower. The canines (or cuspids) are at the corners of the mouth and are shaped like simple cones; they tear and shred food. There are four permanent canines; the two in the upper jaw are popularly known as the “eye teeth.” The premolars (or bicuspids) are next behind the cuspids and consist of two cones, or cusps, fused together; they tear, crush, and grind the food. There are eight permanent premolars. The molars are in the back of the mouth; they have between three and five cusps each, and their function is to crush and grind food. There are 12 permanent molars in all, three on each side of both the upper and lower jaw. The hindmost molar in each of these groups, and the last one to emerge, is popularly known as the wisdom tooth. Development and Eruption. Both the primary teeth and the permanent teeth begin to develop before birth. Because of this, it is vitally important that expectant mothers receive foods that will supply the calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins necessary for healthy teeth.

The primary teeth begin to form about the sixth week of prenatal life, with calcification beginning about the sixteenth week. A considerable part of the crowns of these teeth is formed by the time the child is born. Eruption, or cutting of teeth, is slower in some children than others, but the primary teeth generally begin to appear when the infant is between 6 and 9 months of age, and the process is completed by the age of 2 to 2½ years. When the child is about 6, the first permanent molar comes in just behind the second molar of the primary teeth. About the same time, shedding of primary teeth begins. The permanent teeth form in the jaw even before the primary ones have erupted, with the incisors and the canines beginning to calcify during the first 6 months of life. Calcification of the others takes place shortly after. As the adult teeth calcify, the roots of the primary ones gradually disappear, or resorb, and are completely gone by the time the permanent teeth are ready to appear. Occasionally a primary tooth root does not resorb, and as a result the permanent tooth comes in outside its proper position.

When this happens, it is necessary to remove the primary tooth and root. The first teeth to be shed, about the sixth year, are the central incisors. The permanent incisors erupt shortly afterward. The lateral incisors are lost and replaced during the seventh to ninth years, and the canines in the ninth to twelfth years. The first premolars generally appear between the ages of 10 and 12, the second molars between 11 and 13, and the third molars, or wisdom teeth, between 17 and 22. It is not uncommon for the third molars to fail to erupt. Occasionally there is a partial or total lack of either the primary or the permanent teeth ( anodontia ). In some cases this is inherited, and in others it may be related to endocrine gland disturbances. Tooth Decay and Its Prevention. Tooth decay, or dental caries , is the most common disease in the United States. It begins on the outside of the teeth in the enamel as bacteria and refined carbohydrates adhere to the tooth surface to form plaque . The action of the bacteria on starchy and sugary foods produces lactic acid , which is believed to dissolve the enamel.

Once there is a break in the enamel ( demineralization ), the decaying process moves on into the dentin and then to the pulp, attacking the nerves and causing toothache. For methods of treatment and prevention, see dental caries . accessional teeth the permanent molars, so called because they have no primary tooth predecessors in the dental arch. See also succedaneous teeth . anterior teeth the teeth in the anterior parts of the dental arches; the incisors and canines. avulsed tooth a tooth that has been traumatically dislocated, usually salvageable for a reimplantation if appropriate treatment is initiated promptly. Prior to treatment the tooth can be placed in the conscious patient's mouth or in ice water or cold milk. No attempt should be made to cleanse the tooth. Hutchinson's teeth abnormal teeth seen in congenital syphilis , in which the permanent incisors have a screwdriver-like shape, sometimes associated with notching of the incisal edges. impacted tooth one so placed in the jaw that it is unable to erupt or to attain its normal position in occlusion. See also dental impaction .

intruded tooth a tooth that has been forcefully pushed into the patient's gums and may appear to be absent; it will usually return to the normal position within one month. posterior teeth the teeth in the posterior parts of the dental arches; the premolars and molars. succedaneous teeth (successional teeth) the permanent teeth that have primary tooth predecessors in the dental arch. See also accessional teeth . wisdom tooth the third molar, the tooth most distal to the medial line on either side in each jaw; so called because it is the last of the permanent dentition to erupt, usually at the age of 17 to 21 years. Tooth Howard H., English neurologist, 1856-1925. See: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease . tooth bicuspid tooth premolar t. canine tooth , cuspid tooth the third tooth on either side from the midline in each jaw. Symbol C . deciduous teeth primary teeth ; the 20 teeth of the first dentition, which are shed and replaced by the permanent teeth . eye tooth a canine tooth of the upper jaw.

Hutchinson's teeth notched, narrow-edged permanent incisors, sometimes but not always a sign of congenital syphilis. impacted tooth one prevented from erupting by a physical barrier. incisor tooth one of the four front teeth, two on each side of the midline, in each jaw. Symbol I . milk teeth deciduous teeth . molar tooth any of the posterior teeth on either side in each jaw, numbering three in the permanent dentition and two in the deciduous. Symbol M . peg tooth , peg-shaped tooth a tooth whose sides converge or taper together incisally. permanent teeth the 32 teeth of the second dentition. pl. teeth Etymology: AS, toth any one of numerous dental structures that develop in the jaws. Although derived from modified bone, they are typically classified as part of the digestive system and are used to cut and grind food in the mouth for ingestion. Each tooth consists of a crown, which projects above the gum; two to four roots embedded in the alveolus; and a neck, which stretches between the crown and the root.

Each tooth also contains a cavity filled with pulp, richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves that enter the cavity through a small aperture at the base of each root. The solid part of the tooth consists of dentin, enamel, and a thin layer of bone on the surface of the root. The dentin composes the bulk of the tooth. The enamel covers the exposed part of the crown. Two sets of teeth appear at different periods of life: the 20 primary teeth appear during infancy, the 32 secondary teeth during childhood and early adulthood. See also primary dentition , secondary dentition . Tooth [A.S. tōth] tooth (teeth), n one of the hard bodies or processes usually protruding from and attached to the alveolar process of the maxillae and the mandible; designed for the mastication of food. teeth, anterior, n.pl the incisor or canine front teeth. teeth, canine, n.pl the four canines; the third tooth located distal to the midline in any one of the four quadrants of the dentition. teeth, deciduous, n See deciduous ; tooth, primary.

teeth, drugs for sensitivity of, n.pl the medicaments used to treat hypersensitivity of the teeth. They should cause relatively little pain when applied; be easily applied, rapid in action, and permanently effective; and not discolor the teeth or unduly irritate the pulp. Substances used include 33% sodium fluoride in kaolin and glycerin, a 25% aqueous solution of strontium chloride, hot medicinal olive oil, and 0.9% solution of sodium silicofluoride. teeth, grinding of, n the selective modification of tooth form and contour in the occlusal adjustment operation to eliminate occlusal interferences and establish tooth contours conducive to the health of the periodontium. See also bruxism. teeth, hereditary brown, n.pl See hypoplasia, enamel, hereditary. teeth, neonatal, n.pl primary teeth that erupt into the oral cavity during the neonatal period (from birth to 30 days). teeth, permanent, n See also polishing, coronal and polishing, selective .

teeth, posterior, n.pl the maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars of the permanent dentition or the premolars and molars of prostheses. teeth, primary, n.pl 1. term used by some in preference to deciduous teeth; however, it has not received the approval of preference by the American Dental Association. 2. as a result of a survey of the terminology used to name the teeth of the first dentition, the College Committee Report of Dentistry for Children recommended in 1942 the use of primary teeth in place of deciduous, first, milk, temporary, baby, or foundation teeth. The term primary was suggested as a word “which may be acceptable to the dental profession, significant in its meaning, with no connotations of impermanence, and readily understood by nonprofessional people.” See also deciduous. teeth, sensitivity of, n a painful pulpal response to external stimuli such as heat, cold, and sweet substances. The most common clinical finding is a hyperesthetic state of the root surface resulting from loss of a portion of the cemental covering with exposure of the dentin. See also hypersensitivity, dentin.

teeth, separation of, n the action of moving a tooth mesially or distally out of contact with its neighboring tooth. teeth, set of, n usually a full complement of maxillary and mandibular artificial teeth as they are carded by the manufacturer. teeth, slow separation of, n drifting apart of teeth accomplished over a long period, usually by the wedging action of a material such as gutta-percha, orthodontic wire, thread, or fibers in orthodontic therapy. teeth, supportive mechanisms of, n.pl the anatomic structures that function to maintain or aid in maintaining the teeth in position in their alveoli: the gingivae, cementum of the tooth, periodontal membrane, and alveolar and supporting bone. See also structures, supporting . teeth, vital staining of, n the staining of enamel and dentin of primary and permanent teeth during development with vital stains (e.g., with bile pigment in Rh incompatibility or with tetracyclines). tooth, abutment, n a tooth or teeth selected to support a prosthesis on the basis of the total surface areas of a healthy periodontium.

tooth, accessory n supernumerary teeth that do not resemble normal teeth in size, shape, or location. See also distomolar ; mesiodens ; paramolar; tooth, tooth, acrylic resin n a tooth made of acrylic resin. tooth, anatomic, n an artificial tooth that closely resembles the anatomic form of a natural unabraded tooth. tooth, ankylosed n abnormal calcification of the periodontal ligament resulting in abnormal fixation of a tooth. tooth, artificial, n a tooth fabricated for use as a substitute for a natural tooth in a prosthesis; usually made of porcelain or plastic. tooth-borne, adj term used to describe a prosthesis or a part of a prosthesis that depends entirely on the abutment teeth for support. tooth-borne base, n the denture base restoring an edentulous area that has abutment teeth at each end for support. The tissue it covers is not used for support of the base. tooth buds, n.pl embryonic teeth formed during the fifth and sixth weeks of embryo development. See also odontogenesis.

tooth, cap stage, n the second stage in the development of a tooth in which cells continue to proliferate to form the cap of a tooth. tooth, conical (peg-shaped tooth), n failure of morphologic development of the tooth germ found in ectodermal dysplasia and other disorders and occasionally found in normal children. tooth, cross-bite, n.pl the posterior teeth designed to permit the modified buccal cusps of the maxillary teeth to be positioned in the central fossae of the mandibular teeth. tooth, cuspless, n.pl teeth designed without cuspal prominences on the masticatory surfaces. tooth, devital, n See tooth, pulpless. tooth, discoloration, n a stain or change in color of a tooth, which can be caused by bloodborne pigment or blood decomposition within the pulp, usage of certain drugs, and trauma. See also tooth, pigmentation. tooth, drifting, n the migration of teeth from their normal positions in the dental arches as a result of such factors as loss of proximal support, loss of functional antagonists, occlusal traumatic tooth relationships, inflammatory and retrograde changes in the attachment apparatus, and oral habits.

tooth, embedded, n an unerupted tooth, usually one completely covered with bone; also spelled imbedded. See also tooth, impacted. tooth eruption, n the process by which the tooth moves from its site of formation to its position of function. It can be active or passive. tooth, evulsed (avulsed tooth), n a tooth that has been abnormally luxated from its alveolar support, commonly as a sequela to trauma. tooth fairy, n a mythologic fairy said to leave small amounts of cash in exchange for a child's exfoliated primary tooth, which has been left under the pillow. tooth form, n See fracture, tooth. tooth, fulcrum, n the axis of movement of a tooth when lateral forces are applied to the tooth. The fulcrum is considered to be at the middle third of the portion of the root embedded in the alveolus and thus moves apically as the bone resorbs in periodontal disease. tooth, fused, n.pl two teeth united during development by the union of their tooth germs. The teeth may be joined by the enamel of their crowns, root dentin, or both.

Usually consists of a single large crown. tooth germ, n the earliest evidence of a tooth. It includes the dental sac, dental papilla, and enamel organ. tooth, geminated n teeth with bifid crowns and confluent root canals resulting from the division of the enamel organ during the developmental period. tooth, Hutchinson's, n.pr the defects of the permanent incisors associated with congenital syphilis. Dental hypoplasia affects primarily the incisors, canines, and first permanent molars. The incisors have a screwdriver or peg-shaped appearance. See also triad, Hutchinson. tooth, hypersensitive, n a tooth that is painful when exposed to temperature changes, sweetness, or touch due to worn tooth enamel and, consequently, exposed dentin, usually near the cervix of the tooth. tooth, hypoplasia of n a reduction in the amount of enamel formed, resulting in irregular pits and grooves of the enamel. tooth, immediate separation of, n separation of teeth accomplished by the rapid wedging action of an appliance during restorative procedures.

tooth, impacted, n a condition in which the unerupted or partially erupted tooth is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely. An impacted third molar tooth may be further described according to its position: buccoangular, distoangular, or vertical. An impacted maxillary canine tooth also may be further described according to its position: palatal (maxillary canine), lingual (mandibular canine), labial, or vertical. tooth, inclination of, n the angle of slope of teeth from the vertical planes of reference. A tooth may be mesially, distally, lingually, buccally, or labially inclined. tooth, loss of, n the separation of a tooth from its investing and supporting structures as a result of normal exfoliation attending loss of primary dentition, exfoliation as a sequela to excessive bone resorption and periapical migration of the epithelial attachment in periodontal disease, and instrumentation for extraction necessitated by pathologic involvement of the dental pulp, periodontium, or periapical tissues.

tooth, mesial movement of, n migration of teeth toward the midline, occurring as a phenomenon associated with the action of the anterior component of force. Mesial migration of teeth occurs with the wear of their proximal surfaces resulting from the buccolingual movements of the teeth. tooth, metal insert, n an artificial tooth, usually of acrylic resin, containing an inserted ribbon of metal, or a cutting blade, in its occlusal surface, with one edge of the blade exposed; sometimes used in removable dentures. tooth, migration of, n the movement of teeth into altered positions in relationship to the basal bone of the alveolar process and adjoining and opposing teeth as a result of loss of approximating or opposing teeth, occlusal interferences, habits, or inflammatory and dystrophic disease of the attaching and supporting structures of the teeth. tooth, missing, n the absence of teeth from the dentition because of congenital factors, exfoliation, or extraction. tooth mobility, n the movability of a tooth resulting from loss of all or a portion of its attachment and supportive apparatus. Seen in periodontitis, occlusal traumatism, and periodontosis.

tooth morphology, n the anatomic topography of the teeth. tooth movement, n.pl primary tooth found in the oral cavity at birth. tooth, nonanatomic, n artificial teeth so designed that the occlusal surfaces are not copies from natural forms but are given forms that in the opinion of the designer seem more nearly to fulfill the requirements of mastication and tissue tolerance. Natal tooth. tooth numbering systems, n the graphing techniques used to chart a patient's primary and permanent teeth, as well as record any clinical and radiographic findings; the American Dental Association used the Universal Numbering System (numbering teeth 1 to 32). Other tooth numbering systems include the International Numbering System (a two-digit system) and the Palmer Numbering System (teeth numbered 1 to 8 in different quadrants). tooth, peg-shaped, n See tooth, conical. tooth, pigmentation n intrinsic discoloration of a tooth, which can be caused by bloodborne pigment or blood decomposition within the pulp, usage of certain drugs, and trauma. tooth, pink, n a tooth that has been inserted back into the alveolus after accidentally being displaced.

tooth, rotated, n an altered position of the tooth in relation to the adjacent and opposing teeth and its basal alveolar process; in such an altered position the tooth has been turned on its long axis and is in a state of torsiversion. The result is an altered contact with adjacent teeth that produces a possible locus for food impaction between the teeth, with consequent gingival damage. tooth selection, n See selection, tooth. tooth, setting up of, n the arranging of teeth on a trial denture base; includes proper relation with occluding teeth. tooth, shell, n a form of dentinal dysplasia characterized by large pulp chambers, meager coronal dentin, and usually no roots. tooth size discrepancy, n lack of proportional harmony in the width of various teeth, causing relative spacing and crowding in different parts of the dentition. tooth, submerged, n a tooth that has not erupted to the point of making contact with the opposing maxillary or mandibular tooth during mastication. Such a tooth may be immobile as a result of ankylosis to the mandible or maxilla.

tooth, succedaneous n a permanent tooth with primary predecessors (i.e., premolars, canines, and incisors). tooth, supernumerary, n.pl an artificial replacement for natural teeth. tooth surface pocket wall, n the portion of a narrow, infected sulcus that is adjacent to the surface of a tooth. tooth, tube, n.pl artificial teeth constructed with a vertical, cylindric aperture extending from the center of the base into the body of the tooth into which a pin or cast post for the attachment of the tooth to a denture base may be placed. tooth, Turner's, n.pr a permanent tooth showing hypoplasia resulting from injury or inflammation of the precedent primary tooth. tooth wear, n the erosion of a tooth by chemical or mechanical processes. tooth, zero degree, n.pl prosthetic teeth having no cusp angles in relation to the horizontal plane; cuspless teeth. tooth pl. teeth; one of the small, bonelike structures of the jaws for the biting and mastication of food. See also dental , teeth . Patient discussion about tooth Q. what exactly is a tooth fracture?A broken tooth? there is a tremendous amount of pain with this tooth.

A. I had a temp that stayed on for a month because I couldn't mek it back to the dentist for a awhile. I used to have a Obsession with Jaw Breaker candy but with 2 crowns learned my lesson. -------- <a href="">az cosmetic dentistry</a> Q. do you know what are the pros and cons of the Sonic toothbrush from Oral B (electric tooth brush)? last night, my best friend raved about it for a whole hour. My dentist told me to use a soft brush (number 35) to clean my teeth and that the electric brushes are a bit over rated. My friend specifically told me about the Sonic product and told me that it also makes his teeth whiter. I wanted to know if anybody has any knowledge or experience from first hand about this product or any good information about it. A. Thank you for the frank answer. I wonder if I can find a really soft electric toothbrush Q. what happens if a dentist fills a cavity with some caries left on the tooth? the cavity was deep ,close to the nerve. Didn’t make nerve exposure.? A. If it wasn’t removed properly – you will have what they call – “recurrent cries”.

It’ll continue growing without you seeing it until you’ll come back to the dentist again because of the pain. I suggest you’ll save the pain part and go now. Human Teeth Dental Chart - Bradford Dentistry Resources | Bradford Family Dentistry See Cat Teeth See Horse Teeth At the time of birth, tooth buds are already in place. Babies typically have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which usually begin to erupt typically around 6 months of age but can be anywhere between approximately 3 months of age until 12 months to begin the accommodation of solid foods and the change in baby’s diet. The above human teeth dental chart are of children’s 20 primary teeth. Cutting teeth takes time and can be painful for babies, which is usually completed by the age of 3. Teeth start to fall out at various times throughout childhood and by the age of 21; all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted. Eruption of Primary Teeth Dental Chart Usually, humans get two sets of teeth during a lifetime. The first, primary or deciduous set is comprised of the 20 “baby” teeth. The second permanent set usually consists of 32 teeth.

In each quadrant, there are eight permanent teeth including two incisors, one cuspid, two bicuspids, and three molars. Eruption of Permanent Teeth Dental Chart The pictorial below of permanent human teeth can help you to understand the positioning of each of your 32 permanent teeth in an adult mouth. The last teeth to arrive are the three molars. The third molars are more commonly referred to as the “wisdom tooth.” Tooth Chart Positioning The upper teeth of arch on the human teeth dental chart are called maxillary teeth because their roots are placed within the upper jawbone of the maxilla. Those of the lower arch are called mandibular teeth because their roots are embedded within the lower jawbone of the mandible. Each arch contains 16 teeth, composed of 6 anterior, and 10 posterior and in a quadrant, there are 3 anterior and 5 posterior teeth. On this human teeth diagram, there are four classes of teeth, incisors, cuspid, bicuspid and molars, based on appearance, position and complementary functions. A tooth is a hard, bony appendage that develops on the jaw to pulverize food.

In man, the design of the teeth is a reflection of eating habits, as humans tend to be meat eaters so teeth are formed for cutting, tearing, and grinding food. The human teeth dental chart illustrates the types and working surfaces of the four classes of teeth. Incisor Teeth On the dental chart, incisors are located in the front of the mouth and have sharp, thin edges for cutting. Their use is to incise or cut food and the appearance tends to have a shovel-shaped appearance. Cuspid Teeth Cuspids, also referred to as canines, are at the angles of the mouth on the tooth chart. Each has a single cusp and is designed for cutting and tearing. Bicuspid Teeth Bicuspids, also referred to as premolars, are similar to the cuspids. They have two cusps used for cutting and tearing, and a wider surface to bite and crush food. Molars Molars are located in the back of the mouth. Their size gradually gets smaller from the first to third molar. Each molar has four or five cusps, is shorter and more rounded in shape than other teeth and has a broad surface for grinding and chewing solid food.

When viewing the human teeth dental chart, it shows the typical human mouth. People are all different and do not always have every tooth come in or they may appear at different times. When extractions or exclusions occur, depending on the tooth, different methods can get chewing accomplished. Although your teeth may not be identical to the human teeth dental chart, we can create a smile you can be confident and proud of, while meeting the functions required. Please contact us to discuss any issues concerns or maintenance you may need addressed. If you live in any of the following areas and would like to book an appointment to see your human teeth dental chart for free, please call us at: 1-877-283-0497 in: Anatomy of a Mouth, Teeth and Gums - A Complete Consumer Guide The mouth (oral cavity) consists of several components, including the teeth, gingiva (gums), tongue, palate, cheeks, lips and floor of the mouth. With the exception of the teeth, the mouth is lined by mucous membranes. The Teeth The teeth are held within the jaw bones and serve several important functions beyond allowing you to chew. Your teeth enable you to speak properly and clearly, and contribute to your facial shape and appearance.

Children usually have 20 deciduous (primary) teeth and begin to develop their first permanent teeth by age six. Adults typically develop 32 permanent teeth. The area of the tooth closest to the tongue is referred to as the lingual surface. For the front teeth, the area closest to the lips is called the labial surface. For the back teeth (molars and premolars), the area that faces the cheeks is called the buccal surface, and the biting (chewing) area is called the occlusal surface. There are different types of permanent teeth, each of which performs a specific function. Central Incisors: The central incisors are the front teeth. Adults have four central incisors; two on the upper and two on the lower arches. These teeth are sharp and shaped like a chisel for cutting food. Lateral Incisors: The four lateral incisors are located next to the central incisors on both arches, one on either side. These teeth have sharp incisal edges intended for tearing food. Canines: The canine teeth are the sharp teeth located on either side of the lateral incisors.

Canine teeth (also known as cuspids) work together with the incisors to tear and bite food. Premolars: The premolars (also known as bicuspids) are the eight teeth located next to the cuspids; two on each side of the mouth, four on the upper and four on the lower arches. These teeth are smaller than the molars and have two cusps on the biting area for tearing and crushing food. The premolars closest to the incisors are called the first premolars, while the ones closest to the molars are called the second premolars. Molars: Molars are the large teeth with four cusps located in the back of the mouth behind the premolars. Adults have twelve molars (four being wisdom teeth), with six in the upper and six in the lower arches; three on each side of the mouth. Molars have wide, flat surfaces for biting, chewing and grinding food. Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, which are included among the molars, are the final four molars that most adults develop. These teeth are located in the very back of the mouth, two in the upper and two in the lower arches.

Wisdom teeth typically erupt during the teen years but can develop at any time. It also is not unusual for wisdom teeth to be impacted (below the gumline) and not erupt at all. Not all wisdom teeth require extraction. However, due to the risk of overcrowding, infection or misalignment, your dentist may determine that your wisdom teeth should be removed. The Gingiva The gingiva is the soft tissue in the mouth known as the gums that covers the bone holding the teeth in place. The gingiva surrounds the teeth and covers the jaw bone, creating a protective barrier. The Tongue The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth with several functions. It is attached to the bottom of the mouth by a membrane on its underside called the lingual frenum. The top surface of the tongue contains papillae, the tiny nodules or bumps that include the taste buds. One of the functions of the tongue is taste, but it also facilitates chewing, digesting, swallowing and speaking. The tongue is very flexible. With the help of the cheeks, it guides food to be chewed by the teeth so it can be properly swallowed and digested. The tongue also works with the teeth to form certain speech patterns, making speech possible.

The Palate The palate, which refers to the roof of the mouth, is divided into two parts: the hard palate and the soft palate. The hard palate is the solid, immovable area of the roof of the mouth that attaches to the teeth and gums, forming an arch. The soft palate, located behind the hard palate towards the back of the throat, is the flexible area of the mouth where the gag reflex occurs. The Cheeks The cheeks form the sides of the mouth and continue along the front of the face to the lips. The cheeks are composed of subcutaneous fat, with the outside layer covered by skin and the inside consisting of a mucous membrane. The cheek muscles (the buccinators) are instrumental in smiling, swallowing, compression and keeping food in the mouth for chewing and digestion. The Lips The lips are the soft and pliable fleshy tissue that connects to the front area of the cheeks. The outside of the lips is covered by skin. The gingiva attaches to the part of the lips inside the mouth that is covered by the mucous membrane. Blood vessels close to the surface of the skin give lips their red color. Of all the organs in the human body, the lips are among the most mobile.

In addition to facilitating speech, the lips help keep food between the teeth while also guiding it through the mouth. Lips also enable suckling during infancy. The lips are very sensitive and have numerous receptors on their surface to help determine temperature and texture of food. The Floor of the Mouth The floor of the mouth consists largely of the tongue. It is formed by mucous membranes that extend inward from both sides of the lower jawbone and from the tongue to the gumline, forming a crescent shape. Within the floor of the mouth are glands, portions of the muscles of the tongue and nerves. 8615 NE Hazel Dell Ave.

Vancouver, WA 98665 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 310 Portland, OR 97205 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 310 Portland, OR 97205 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 310 Portland, OR 97205 1221 SW Yamhill, Suite 310 Portland, OR 97205 Infant Teething Schedule of Baby Age Development You are here: Baby Care Center > Baby Information > Infant Teething Timeline Infant Teething Timeline and Baby Development Schedule Related to Cutting Teeth About the time many parents have gotten their babies to sleep through (most) the night, baby's timeline moves right on into teething. Infant development experts say that teething usually starts when your baby is around four months old, and continues until he or she is about two years old, at which time you get a reprieve until about five years old when the baby teeth start being replaced by grown-up teeth.

Some babies teeth early�around three months old, and some teeth later, granting exhausted parents a few extra nights of well-earned sleep which they may spend worrying about the fact that the baby has yet to teeth when everyone else at Mommy and Me has already gained the admirable but odd-looking lower central incisors that make baby grins look hilarious to people who don't have children. Premature babies may teeth later�count it as a blessing. Some babies don't develop their first teeth until 7 months or more, and a few may even be a year old before showing a single tooth. Like many things about babies, you can't schedule progress on someone else's age chart: your baby will develop teeth when he or she is ready�and whether you're ready or not. When babies start teething, the order of the process generally proceeds along in fairly predictable stages. First come the two lower middle teeth; next, the four upper middle teeth arrive, and after that come incisors, the furthest forward molars and finally the back molars. The first teeth may be the easiest for many babies because the teeth are sharp and thin, so they make it through the gum tissue with less trouble than the broad molars do.

An infant who's cutting teeth can be one miserable companion, but some babies hardly seem to notice the change. Because the tooth is breaking down and cutting through the gum, it's normal for babies to experience throbbing pain, swelling and the urge to bite. Biting might be ascribed to crankiness, which is also a symptom associated with teething, but in fact, putting pressure on sore gums from the outside equalizes the pressure exerted by the rising tooth and numbs the pain�until the outside pressure stops. It's a well-known fact that, once a baby reaches teething age, everything goes into the mouth. For nursing mothers, it can be a frustration when the child you've been waking yourself every two hours to feed suddenly bites you hard, but try not to take it personally. Do stop your baby and so, "no biting!" in your "I mean it" voice. (If you don't have your "I mean it" voice in place yet, here's where you develop it). Don't worry: you won't traumatize your child and you may be able to get the message across and continue to breastfeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and (guarded) trust.

Some babies won't stop biting when nursing, in which case, moms usually decide to wean their children. This is one of the first times you will have to decide whether you're going to be an assertive parent who manages to meet the needs of her baby while maintaining her own need not to be injured, or a resentful martyr who bears unnecessary bruises and whose child will go on to bite babysitters, grandparents and even pets in her quest for something firm to chew on. Baby Teething Articles and Infant Information Baby Teething Timeline

Question: In the human body, which teeth are known as the ‘cutting teeth’?
Answer: Incisors