Our teeth are essential for eating and speaking. For many people, the appearance of their teeth is also important and adds to their self-esteem. On the inside, all 32 of our adult teeth are basically the same. They are composed of four types of tissue--enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp. The crown extends above the gums and the root is below the gums.
Baby Teeth
A baby's first tooth typically erupts between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, according to the American Dental Association. All 20 baby teeth, also called primary teeth, usually are in place by the time a child turns 3. Even though these temporary teeth will eventually fall out, they should still be examined by a dentist. The ADA recommends that children see the dentist within six months of the first tooth erupting and no later than their first birthday.
Loosing Teeth
Children will loose their baby teeth to make room for the permanent teeth. In most cases, baby teeth start coming out when a child is 6 or 7 and continue until he is 12 or 13, according to MayoClinic.com. Baby teeth typically fall out in the same order they grew in. The first teeth to be lost are usually the bottom middle teeth, following by the top middle teeth. The second molars usually fall out last.
Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, and this usually doesn't occur until late adolescence or early adulthood. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed, however, because they do not grow in properly or there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate them, according to the ADA. Signs that your wisdom teeth need to be extracted include teeth that grow in sideways, teeth that are misaligned, teeth that only partially erupt, or teeth that stay below the gum line.
Dental Disorders
Tooth decay, also called dental caries or cavities, develops when the enamel protecting the teeth is broken down, allowing a hole or cavity to form. Tooth decay is common, but its one of many potential tooth disorders. Other problems affecting dental health include tartar, gum disease, teeth grinding and abnormal tooth shape, color and enamel, according to Merck.
Proper Dental Care
Proper care of your teeth begins at birth. Even before the baby teeth erupt, a baby's mouth and gums should be wiped regularly. After the first tooth comes in, it should be cleaned daily with a cloth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When more teeth come in, use a soft toothbrush to clean the teeth. Toothpaste use can begin when a child is 2.
The ADA recommends that people floss daily and brush their teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three or four months or whenever the bristles become frayed.
