Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Teeth Development

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth.  At age 6-8 months, the primary teeth appear; all 20 are in place by age three.

Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age six, and except for wisdom teeth, are all present between ages twelve and fourteen.  The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth (3rd molars).  Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age seventeen and on.  The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth.  This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed from the oral cavity.

Your front teeth are called incisors.  The sharp pointed teeth are the canines.  The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth used for chewing are molars.  Your permanent teeth are the ones you will keep for life, so it's important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic dental check-ups by a dentist are followed.

Teeth Development




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