Almost anyone knows how to ensure a healthy smile: regular dental checkups and a daily cleaning regimen. Yet, how many people know the exact function of their teeth? Furthermore, the average patient probably doesn’t even know the names of their teeth. In this helpful blog, Dr. Amanda Foust, your Ankeny, IA dentist, has described the purpose of every tooth to increase her patient’s dental knowledge.
This is What Your Teeth Do
- Incisors. These eight, front teeth appear first during infancy—around six months of age. With two sets of four teeth on the upper and lower jaw, the incisors take the initial bites of food.
- Canines. These four teeth—two pairs on the upper and lower jaw—have sharp tips. The canines rip and tear apart food and erupt after the incisors. Your primary (baby) set won’t appear until 16 months of age, at the earliest.
- Premolars. Also referred to as bicuspids, these eight teeth grind food as you chew. According to your Ankeny, IA dentist, primary premolars can come in anywhere between 13 to 19 months of age; the permanent set starts to develop around age nine.
- Molars. Located in the back of the mouth, these teeth also grind food throughout the chewing process. Molars tend to erupt a little later at around 25 months of age, and can even begin to show up as late as 33 months. The permanent set arrive at about age 10.
- Third molars. Commonly called wisdom teeth, the third molars won’t begin to break the gum line until teenage years into early adulthood. Many patients have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid infection or a misalignment in their smiles; however, in some cases, patients won’t have issues with their wisdom teeth and therefore don’t require removal.
Visit Dental Impressions of Ankeny for Great Dental Care
To maintain your smile healthy, see your to print patient forms, learn about our team, and view our services. Our friendly office looks forward to treating patients from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman and surrounding cities.
