How well do you know your smile? For instance, do you know how many teeth you have or how many teeth your children have? Could you name all four types of teeth or what each different type does? If not, you aren’t alone—but we’re here to help!
Generally, every mouth has four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Children typically have twenty primary teeth while adults usually have thirty-two. As you probably know, each type of tooth serves different functions. 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.
At times, knowing the different types of teeth are useful, but 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 Scott M. Healey Dentistry at 801.653.0099. Dr. Scott Healey and our team are excited to hear from you.
