The teeth are structures of mineralized tissue that serve to chew food before it reaches the stomach for proper digestion and have an important mission in speech and in speech device.

Apart from the important function they perform by cutting, grinding and chewing food, the teeth also work with the tongue and lips to help form sounds and pronounce words.

Teeth of milk and definitive teeth

Its structure, number and disposition varies in children and adults. We parents must take care from the beginning of the health of the mouth and teeth of our children, and the first care must begin already in pregnancy. In the feeding of the mother during pregnancy should be present: calcium, phosphorus, proteins and vitamins A, C and D. These nutrients help the mineralization of the germ, which will lead to the baby’s milk teeth, after birth.

The milk teeth

The primary dentition, also known as deciduous or deciduous, is composed of the ‘milk’ teeth, which are 20 and are arranged in the two upper and lower arches. Among all, there are eight incisors, four canines and eight molars. As the child grows, usually around the age of 6, these teeth fall and the final teeth begin to appear. Therefore, for a time, teeth of the two types coexist in the child’s mouth.

The permanent or definitive dentition is formed by 32 teeth between which there are 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 12 molars, among which are the last 4, known as wisdom teeth. Most children have all the milk teeth before they turn 3 and, approximately, around 14 years old, most children have all teeth of milk and have almost all permanent teeth. About 6 years later, at approximately 20 years old, four more teeth grow in the back of the mouth, completing the series with a total of 32 pieces.

How are the teeth?

White and gleaming on the outside. This visible external part is called a crown. The crown of each tooth is covered with very hard enamel, which provides a protective barrier to the inner parts of the tooth. Under the enamel of the teeth is the dentine, which is the largest layer of the tooth and is similar to bone. Although it is not as strong as enamel, it is also very hard because its mission is to protect the inner part of the tooth, which is called pulp. In the pulp are the nerve endings of the tooth, which are responsible for sending messages to the brain to report what happens. The pulp also contains the blood vessels of the tooth, which feed the tooth and keep it alive and healthy. Both the dentin and the pulp reach the root of the tooth, which is an internal area that is located under the gum and that holds the piece.

Types of teeth

In the mouth, we have different types of teeth and each one has a specific function.

Incisors. They are the teeth of the center in the front of the mouth. There are four up and four down. The incisors are chisel-shaped, with the ends flat and somewhat sharp. They are used to cut and grind food.

Canines. They are distinguished by the pointed teeth on each side of the incisors and are also known as fangs. In the mouth, there are four canine teeth in total, two above and two below. Thanks to their sharp tip, they help to cut the food.

Premolars. They are located next to the canines and in the mouth there are eight premolars in total, four above and four below. Its shape is different from that of the incisors and canines because the premolars are larger and stronger. At its base they have ripples to crush and crush the food.

Molars. In total, there are eight, four up and four down. The molars or molars are even wider and stronger than the premolars and have more undulations. They are also the hardest. The molars work with the tongue to help swallow the food. The tongue carries the chewed food to the back of the mouth, where the molars crush it until it is well undone and ready to swallow.

Wisdom teeth. They leave at approximately 20 years old. Currently, wisdom teeth are not used at all and it is believed that millions of years ago were essential to chew food.

Basic care of children’s and babies’ teeth

Maintaining good health of teeth is a task that should begin in childhood, from the so – called d sTaTEs milk, which should be well cared for, even though their average duration is 6 years. If these teeth have cavities, permanent teeth will inherit the same disease as their predecessor.

For this reason, it is important to protect dental health during childhood. Working with dental hygiene as if it were a game is essential for the child to acquire healthy habits. Both children and adults should brush our teeth every time we eat with fluoride toothpaste or wash them at least twice a day, especially before going to bed. The most effective brushing technique is from top to bottom, instead of side by side. Floss is used to prevent food and plaque from being trapped between the teeth at least once a day.

And visit the dentist once a year for a mouth cleaning and a caries exam. The fluoride treatments in the clinic and the sealing of the molars help to protect the teeth from decay. And remember, sugar can damage the enamel and dentin inside the teeth and cause cavities, which although they can be treated, it is always better to avoid them.

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