Teeth
Specific teeth and structures of the mouth. This work by Cenveo is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 3.0 United States (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/).
The teeth, or dentes, are secured in sockets of the alveolar processes of
the maxillae and mandible.Gingivae (gums; singular gingiva) cover the
alveolar processes. Lining the sockets is the periodontal ligament, a
dense fibrous connective tissue that secures the teeth in place. The teeth
are covered byenamel, which is the hardest substance in the body.
Enamel helps prevent teeth from being worn down when we chew, and
it helps keep out acids that could easily dissolve the interior of a tooth.
Humans have two sets of teeth (dentitions). The 20 deciduous
teeth, or baby teeth, first appear at about 6 months of age. Between
ages 6 and 12 years, these teeth are replaced by the 32 permanent
teeth. Closest to the midline are the two incisors, chisel-shaped teeth
we use for cutting into food. The cuspids (canines) are next to the
incisors. A cuspid’s pointed edge (cusp) tears and shreds food.
Posteriorly, the next teeth are the two premolars (bicuspids) followed by
up to three molars. Premolars and molars have broader, flatter surfaces,
which we use to crush and grind food.