The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth: The Lifecycle of Your Teeth

The Whole Toothe AND NOTHING BUT THE Toolh THE LIFECYCLE OF YOUR TEETH Most of your body parts are formed at birth. You grow into them as the years pass, but they're all there. Teeth are the exception. They grow in, they fall out, and they grow in again, but how does it all happen? Let's take a look at the lifecycle of the human tooth. 6 Weeks After Conception Teeth begin to form as small buds from the lining of the mouth that grow into the developing jaws-10buds on top, 10buds at the bottom. Although babies only have gums, the front teeth are already formed, sitting just under the surface. Birth 2-3 The baby begins teething, the painful process wherein the teeth begin to protrude (known as erupting) through the gums. Months Old 6-14 Baby teeth have fully made their appearance. The incisors (front teeth) grow in first. Months Old Tooth color varies. O Bright white Slightly yellow Blue, which comes from a thin outer layer (enamel and dentin) and a larger pulp (nerves and blood vessels) But shade is based on genetics and isn't as important as overall tooth health. 6 Baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out. Years Old Adult teeth take about 6 months to fully grow in. Tip: Keep baby teeth healthy! Although they fall out, baby teeth serve as space holders for permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth prematurely could lead to the adult tooth growing in crooked. 12-13 The last of the baby teeth should have fallen out by now and are replaced by permanent teeth. Years Old The third set of molars-the wisdom teeth-grow in. The modern human's jawbone cannot accommodate another set of molars. 17-21 Years Old The lack of space can often lead to impaction or infection, which is why most people have their wisdom teeth removed. 20s and Beyond As you age, cavities become more common as years of chewing wear down enamel. You also produce less saliva in older age, meaning less lubricant to wash away harmful bacteria and generally more brittle teeth. Fortunately, advances in dentistry and public awareness of dental health have allowed for improved dental hygiene. Dentures may become obsolete! TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF TEETH 17 One study shows that only 56.8% of women and 49% of men brush Visit your dentist for a checkup once every 6 months, and don't let troubles like toothaches go unchecked. their teeth twice a day. Brush in the morning and evening to remove plaque, which constitutes a layer of bacteria that produces acid. These acids can eventually lead to cavities. Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily. Flossing removes food and plaque between the teeth and is even more important than brushing in terms of preventing gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Floss once a day. Malocclusion, which describes any sort of misalignment in your teeth (e.g., overbite, crooked teeth), can begin to form in childhood or adulthood for a variety of reasons. Nobody has a perfect bite, but if troublesome malocclusion develops at any point, find a dentist trained in treating misaligned teeth or related jaw pain. Brought to you by Leading Dentists | leadingdentists.com Resources: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyld=18787866 http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/P4/P44736.pdf http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/childrens-health/expert-answers/baby-teet h/faq-20058532 http://www.dentabout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/What-Age-Do-Childrens-A dult-Teeth-Come-Through-703x1024.jpg http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm http://www.statisticbrain.com/oral-hygiene-statistics/ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-and-gum-care http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/flossing-floss-sticks () O00