Function of Our Teeth

By Reno Laser Dentistry

January 09, 2012

Category: dental reno

Tags: Reno Laser Dentistry Reno Dentist Reno Dental Dental Health Oral Health Teeth Functions

Most of us just want this beautiful pearly white smile. So how much do we really know about the function of our teeth, except for the fact that chewing is the first step in digestion. We put routine check-ups on the back burner with the rest of life, until a problem arises. In order to have overall quality oral health we need to pay more attention to our oral health. Wouldn’t it be nice to take control and start the New Year in the right direction?

According to the editors at everydayhealth, “teeth help you chew your food, making it easier to digest. Each type of tooth has a slightly different shape and performs a different job. Types of teeth include:

Incisors. Incisors are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth (four on top and four on bottom). These are the teeth that you use to take bites of your food. Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, at around 6 months of age for your first set of teeth, and between 6 and 8 years of age for your adult set.
Canines. Your four canines are the next type of teeth to develop. These are your sharpest teeth and are used for ripping and tearing food apart. Primary canines generally appear between 16 and 20 months of age with the upper canines coming in just ahead of the lower canines. In permanent teeth, the order is reversed. Lower canines erupt around age 9 with the uppers arriving between 11 and 12 years of age.
Premolars. Premolars, or bicuspids, are used for chewing and grinding food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth, two on the upper and two on the lower jaw. The first premolars appear around age 10 and the second premolars arrive about a year later.
Molars. Primary molars are also used for chewing and grinding food. These appear between 12 and 15 months of age. These molars are replaced by the first and second permanent molars (four upper and four lower). The first molars erupt around 6 years of age while the second molars come in between 11 and 13 years of age.
Third molars. Third molars are commonly known as wisdom teeth. These are the last teeth to develop and do not typically erupt until age 18 to 20, and some people never develop third molars at all. For those who do, these molars may cause crowding and need to be removed.

Your mouth is important. Don’t take your teeth or oral health for granted. For good dental health, brush and floss your teeth regularly, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups. A healthy mouth makes for a healthy body … and a pretty smile.”

You can read the entire article at http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/your-mouth-101.aspx

So let’s not take our teeth for granted anymore and give them the attention they deserve, contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno with any questions or to set up an appointment.