Which Teeth Make Up Part Of The Primary Dentition
When it comes to dental health, it's important to understand the different types of teeth that make up our mouths. One of the most fundamental types of teeth is known as primary dentition. These are the teeth that we have when we are children, and they play an important role in our overall oral health. In this article, we will explore which teeth make up part of the primary dentition and what their functions are.
What is Primary Dentition?
Primary dentition is also known as baby teeth or milk teeth. These teeth typically begin to emerge when a child is around six months old and continue to develop until they are around three years old. There are a total of 20 primary teeth, which are usually replaced by permanent teeth between the ages of six and twelve.
Which Teeth Make Up Part of the Primary Dentition?
The 20 primary teeth can be divided into four categories:
- 8 Incisors
- 4 Canines
- 8 Molars
Incisors
The eight incisors are located at the front of the mouth, four on the top and four on the bottom. They are used for biting and cutting food and are typically the first teeth to emerge. The incisors have a flat edge, which helps to cut through food, and they are also important for speech development.
Canines
The four canines are located next to the incisors, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are used for tearing and ripping food and are also important for the development of a child's bite. The canines have a pointed edge, which helps to grip and tear through food.
Molars
The eight molars are located at the back of the mouth, four on the top and four on the bottom. They are used for grinding and chewing food and are the largest and strongest teeth in the primary dentition. The molars have a flat surface, which helps to crush and grind food, and they are also important for maintaining the height of the bite.
Functions of Primary Dentition
The primary dentition plays a crucial role in a child's overall oral health. Here are some of the functions of primary teeth:
- Help with speech development
- Aid in chewing and digestion of food
- Maintain the height of the bite
- Guide the development of permanent teeth
- Provide a space for permanent teeth to grow into
- Help with the development of the jaw and facial muscles
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of teeth that make up our mouths is crucial for maintaining good oral health. The primary dentition, or baby teeth, are an important part of this. By knowing which teeth make up part of the primary dentition and what their functions are, we can ensure that we take proper care of our teeth and maintain a healthy smile.