Teeth are solid structural and functional components found in invertebrate species. Although some invertebrate animals have equivalent “teeth,” their framework and capabilities are quite different. Human teeth come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Unlike pythons and pelicans, humans cannot gulp down large food quantities in a single go. Before food can be consumed, it should be easily broken into smaller chunks. This function is carried out by solid, calcified components known as teeth.
Different types of teeth in humans perform various functions such as trying to cut, tear, shear forces, crushing, and smashing. The jaw muscles power the teeth, and saliva generated in the salivary glands lubricates them.
Human Teeth
Teeth are among the most potent parts of the body. It is mainly made up of proteins called collagen and minerals called calcium. Teeth, in addition to aiding digestion, play a significant part in facilitating our speaking. Total teeth in humans are 32 in number, including the Wisdom teeth. Molars are always the first permanent teeth to emerge, and most adults will have their full set of permanent teeth by the age of 21.
The permanent or secondary teeth structure & types of teeth in humans include:
- Incisors: There are eight incisors in total, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
- Canines: There are four humans, canine teeth sharp, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
- Premolars: There are eight premolars in total, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
- Molars: There are twelve molars in total, with six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. There are also four wisdom teeth included.
Kids are born without teeth because mother’s milk is their significant source of nutrition. Milk teeth appear gradually as the babies begin to wean. By six, the individual’s milk teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth. The lower incisors are the first of the four types of teeth to develop.
Types of teeth in kids
Most children will have all twenty primary teeth by the age of three, which includes:
- Incisors: There are eight incisors in total, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
- Canines: Humans have four sharp canine teeth. Two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.
- Molars: There are eight molars in total, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw.
Types of teeth in humans
Teeth differ in shape because each tooth serves a specific chewing function during mastication and ultimately results in indigestion. They are also placed differently to serve their best objective. Human teeth are classified into four types. The following are the shapes and functions of various types of teeth in humans:
Incisors
Toward the front of the mouth, there are incisors. These types of teeth in humans have razor-sharp edges and are designed to cut food materials into tiny, digestible portions. Homo sapiens have eight incisors, four on each side of the upper jaw and four on each lower jaw.
Canines
Canines are also known as cuspids. They are at the ‘corners’ of the dental curve. They have a distinctively sharp, protruding, and sharp-pointed surface. Their main job is to lock and start ripping food. Canines are found in both the upper and lower jaws of humans. They help to tear even the most challenging food like meat.
Premolars
Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are positioned behind the canines. In humans, these types of teeth have a level surface with grooves designed for mashing, cutting, and chipping food into smaller digestible pieces. Living beings have a total of eight premolar teeth, two on each side of the jaw.
Molars
Molars are the largest tooth in the human mouth and the most powerful teeth. It has a sizable, horizontal biting surface ideal for crushing food. Humans have a total of 12 molars, six present in each jaw. Four of them are wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, which appear between 17 and 25.
Conclusion
In the above notes, we have read about Human Teeth in detail. Also, we discussed types of teeth in total human teeth in humans for more clarity. Teeth play an essential role in the digestion and nutrition absorption process in humans and other mammals. Humans consume food throughout their lives. As a result, teeth must be incredibly tough and firmly embedded in designed to endure years of chewing. The enamel coating prevents the white exposed portion of the tooth. This is the body’s most durable material. Enamel is solid and translucent, as light can pass through it.