Your Teeth and You

They help us chew and digest food. They help us to speak clearly. They allow us to smile and communicate through expressions. They can even have a direct impact on our overall health.

By finding out a bit more about your pearly whites, you can take a positive step towards giving your teeth the attention they deserve. Education from a young age can help children to grow up with a better appreciation for how vital teeth are. This can help them to develop healthy habits that set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

How do teeth develop?

Everyone has two sets of teeth – baby teeth and then permanent teeth – which develop from around 6 months. Some people also have wisdom teeth that emerge in their 20s.

Teeth tend to erupt in parallel, which means that the top molar on your left side should appear at about the same time as your top molar on the right side.

Tooth development starts in the second trimester of pregnancy, although teeth will not become visible for several months after birth. This is why the health of the mother can have a significant impact on the future health of the infant.

The 20 baby teeth are normally in place by the age of 3 and will remain until around 6 years of age when they will fall out to make way for the permanent set of teeth. Most adults will have 32 permanent teeth.

Breakdown of the tooth

The tooth is divided into two main parts: the crown, which is the part visible above the gum, and the root, which anchors the tooth below the gum.

The tooth is made up of four kinds of tissue, each of which does a different job:

Enamel – the visible substance that covers the crown of the tooth. Harder than bone, enamel protects the tooth from decay.

Dentine – underneath the enamel is the dentine which is calcified and looks similar to bone. Dentine is not as strong as enamel so is at risk of decay should it become exposed.

Cementum – This tissue covers the tooth root and helps to anchor it into the bone. Cementum is a light-yellow colour and is normally covered by the gum.

Pulp – Pulp is found in the centre of the tooth and contains the blood vessels, nerves and other soft tissues.

Different types of teeth explained

There are five different types of tooth, each has a slightly different shape and performs a different job.

Incisors – these are the teeth in the front and centre of your mouth, four on the top and four on the bottom. These are the teeth you use to take bites of your food.

Canines – you have four canines and these are your sharpest teeth. They are used to rip and tear food apart.

Premolars – these are used for chewing and grinding your food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth, two on the upper and two on the lower jaw.

Molars – these are also used for chewing and grinding food. These do not replace but come in behind your baby teeth.

Wisdom teeth – these are the last teeth to develop and typically do not erupt until age 18 to 20. Some people may never develop them.

Caring for your teeth

Your teeth are essential for a wide range of functions, including chewing, speaking and smiling. Once you have your adult teeth, they also need to last a lifetime, which means you need to pay close attention to the health of your teeth and gums.

It is very important that you care for your teeth. We recommend the following steps to ensure good oral health for a lifetime.

Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. You don’t have to use an electric toothbrush if you have good brushing technique, but you may want to use one if you’re regularly missing parts of your mouth.

Clean in between your teeth using interdental cleaning aids once a day. Flossing is not something that you should ignore, as you could be missing up to 40% of the surface of each tooth.

Attend regular routine dental appointments to keep an eye on your oral health. Check ups aren’t just for when you notice something is wrong. If you leave it until you have symptoms, the damage may already be too far gone. By attending regular checkups, your dentist can stop small problems from becoming much more serious.

Eat a healthy diet. You can support your teeth through your choice of foods. Make sure you eat lots of calcium-rich foods, including dairy products and leafy green vegetables.

Avoid foods that are bad for your teeth. This includes things like fizzy drinks, sweets and fruit juice. You can enjoy these in moderation, but try not to eat them too often, as this could lead to oral health problems.

Teaching young people good oral health habits

One of the best things you can give to your child is an appreciation for the importance of oral health. This will set them up for a lifetime of good health habits. Children should not be taught that milk teeth are “practice teeth” that they can neglect, as this can set them up for a lifetime of poor oral health.

Children who have issues with their milk teeth are more likely to face problems with their adult teeth, as rotten and decaying milk teeth can cause problems as the adult teeth emerge.

Make oral care fun for children by introducing fun routines such as songs and dances for brushing their teeth. You can also upgrade to a fun toothbrush that will time how long they are brushing for.

Looking for more help and advice?

If you would like more help and advice on caring for your teeth, why not book an appointment with our hygienist who specialises in preventative dentistry and oral hygiene. Call Benfleet Dental Centre today on 01702 557766 to book an appointment.