At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we believe that informed patients make the best decisions for their oral health. When you know more about how your teeth are structured, you’re better equipped to care for them. With proper knowledge, you’ll also understand why regular dental visits with your Dentist in Tacoma are essential to maintaining a healthy, lasting smile.

Primary and Permanent Teeth

Humans grow two sets of teeth in their lifetime: primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. By the age of three, children usually have all 20 baby teeth. These teeth tend to have shorter roots and thinner enamel, making them appear whiter than their adult counterparts. However, primary teeth play a crucial role in guiding the development of adult teeth.

Between the ages of 6 and 12, baby teeth gradually loosen and fall out to make way for 28 permanent teeth. By around age 14, most people have their full set of adult teeth—excluding wisdom teeth, which may erupt later in the late teens or early twenties. Altogether, a complete set of permanent teeth consists of 32 teeth, including the third molars, or wisdom teeth.

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

Each type of tooth in your mouth serves a specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the different teeth and what they do:

• Incisors: The four front teeth on both the upper and lower jaw are your incisors. These teeth are thin and sharp, designed for cutting and holding food.
• Canines: Also known as cuspids, your canines are the pointed teeth next to the incisors. They help tear food and are the sharpest teeth in the mouth. Some people refer to them as their “fangs” due to their shape.
• Premolars: Positioned next to the canines, premolars (or bicuspids) help crush and grind food. These teeth are stronger and broader than the incisors and canines.
• Molars: Your molars are located at the back of the mouth and are the largest teeth. They have wide, flat surfaces designed to grind food into smaller pieces for easier swallowing and digestion. Chewing thoroughly with your molars can help prevent choking and improve digestion.

The Anatomy of a Tooth

A tooth is composed of several layers, each with a distinct purpose. Understanding these layers can help you appreciate how your teeth function and stay healthy:

• Crown: This is the visible part of the tooth above the gums. It’s made up of three layers:
  • Enamel: The outermost layer is the hardest substance in the body, shielding the inner layers from damage.
  • Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a softer, bone-like material that makes up the majority of the tooth.
  • Pulp Cavity: At the center of the tooth is the pulp cavity, which houses nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive and responsive to sensations like temperature changes.
• Neck: The neck of the tooth is the area where the crown meets the root at the gum line. This transition zone plays a critical role in supporting the tooth’s structure.
• Root: The root lies beneath the gum line and anchors the tooth in place. Each tooth type has a different number of roots—for example, molars can have two or three roots, while incisors and canines usually have one. These roots contain nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. Surrounding the roots is the periodontal membrane, which cushions the connection between the tooth and the jawbone, ensuring stability.

Caring for Your Teeth with Barrett Family Dental

Now that you know the basics of your tooth’s anatomy, it’s easier to recognize when something may be wrong. Whether you need preventive care, treatment for dental issues, or a deeper understanding of your oral health, Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma is here to help.

Regular checkups with your Dentist in Tacoma ensure that any issues are detected early, preventing more serious problems from developing. If you have questions about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call today! We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life.