Teeth are super important for things we do every day, like eating yummy food and talking with friends. Let’s learn about the different kinds of teeth, what they do, and how to keep them healthy!
People have two sets of teeth during their lives: baby teeth and adult teeth.
These are also called milk teeth. Kids usually have 20 baby teeth. They start to come in when you’re about six months old and will eventually be replaced by adult teeth.
When you grow up, you’ll have 32 adult teeth. These teeth come in different shapes and sizes to help with different jobs.
There are five main types of teeth, each with a special job:
Quantity: 8 (4 on the top, 4 on the bottom)
Function: These are the sharp, flat teeth at the front of your mouth. They help you cut and bite into food.
Quantity: 4 (2 on the top, 2 on the bottom)
Function: Canines are pointy teeth next to the incisors. They help you tear food, like when you eat meat. Animals like lions have big canines for this reason!
Quantity: 8 (4 on the top, 4 on the bottom)
Function: These teeth are behind the canines and have flat surfaces with ridges. They help grind and crush food into smaller pieces.
Quantity: 8 (4 on the top, 4 on the bottom)
Function: Molars are bigger than premolars and also help grind food. They turn food into a paste so it’s easier to swallow.
Quantity: 4 (one in each corner of the mouth)
Function: These teeth usually come in when you’re a bit older, around 25. Sometimes, they need to be removed because there’s not enough room for them.
Each tooth has three main parts:
This is the hard, outer layer that protects your tooth from getting cavities.
Under the enamel, dentin is a softer layer that supports the enamel and has tiny tubes.
The pulp is the inside part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels. It keeps the tooth alive and helps you feel sensations.
Keeping your teeth healthy is important for your whole body. Here’s how you can take care of them:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
Floss every day to get rid of food and plaque between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This helps keep your teeth healthy and catches any problems early.
Knowing about the different types of teeth and what they do helps us understand why they’re so important. By taking good care of your teeth, you can keep them strong and healthy for a long time. Remember, healthy teeth are a big part of staying healthy overall!
Tooth Detective: Go on a tooth exploration mission at home! With the help of a mirror, count how many of each type of tooth you can find in your mouth. Can you spot your incisors, canines, premolars, and molars? Draw a picture of your mouth and label the different types of teeth you discovered.
Food and Teeth Match-Up: Gather different types of food like an apple, a piece of bread, and a carrot. Try biting and chewing each one and think about which teeth you use the most. Are you using your incisors to bite or your molars to chew? Write down your observations and share them with your family.
Tooth Care Challenge: Create a fun daily checklist to help you remember to brush and floss your teeth. Decorate it with drawings of happy teeth and hang it in your bathroom. Challenge yourself to complete the checklist every day for a week. How does it feel to take care of your teeth regularly?
