We are born with two sets of teeth, primary or first and secondary or permanent. The primary teeth are also called deciduous, as are trees, which lose their leaves every fall. Deciduous teeth begin to appear at about six to eight months. 20 teeth make a complete set and all are in by age three. The three-year molar is the last to appear. The permanent teeth start to grow at about age six and all are present except the wisdom teeth between the ages of twelve to fourteen. The twelve-year molars are the last to grow in until the wisdom teeth start to break through from age 17 on.
Including wisdom teeth our
permanent teeth number 32. Few people, however, have room for all 32 teeth, which is why wisdom teeth may need to be removed. The front teeth are called incisors, the eyeteeth are referred to as canines. Side teeth are premolars or bicuspids and back teeth are molars. Since our second set of teeth is the set we are supposed to keep for the rest of our lives, it is important that they are given proper care. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing as well as routine checkups by your pediatric dentist will do much to safeguard your smile.
Each anterior tooth grows from tooth buds. These three tooth buds fuse to form our permanent teeth. Anterior teeth have three points on them when they first erupt. These points are the Mammalons. Within one or two years the points of the Mammalons wear away, but the internal structure is still present.