Permanent Teeth 101

If you’re interested in knowing more about permanent teeth, this blog is perfect for you! Permanent teeth typically grow into place in the younger years of life when they replace the primary teeth, which are also called the baby teeth. They are used to talk, eat, and smile. To help you know more about permanent teeth in Newburgh, Indiana, Dr. Samuel Schmitz and our dental team have some interesting facts to share with you.

First, you have 32 permanent teeth that fill your mouth. To help your smile function the way it does, there have to be four different types of teeth that have different jobs. Those types include molars, bicuspids, cuspids, and incisors. You should have four third molars (that is also called wisdom teeth), four second molars (that is also called 12-year molars), four first molars (that is also called 6-year molars), four second bicuspids (that are also called second premolars), four first bicuspids (that are also called premolars), four cuspids (that are also called the canine teeth), four lateral incisors, and four central incisors.

Second, your teeth can be used for different tasks, like biting, grinding, and crushing. Usually, your incisors bite into food while your premolars and molars chew and grind the food.

Third, there are three major parts of your teeth. Those parts are the crown, neck, and root. The crown is the top and sides of the tooth. This is the white portion that is covered with a protective layer called the enamel. The neck is the area between the crown and the root. The root is the section that extends through the gums and into the jawbone, holding the tooth in place.

Call Family Dentistry at 812-853-3313 at your earliest convenience if you have any questions about permanent teeth. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment if you have any concerns for your teeth or oral health. We are here to help you in any way we can!