Teeth are hard structures that are found in the upper and lower jaws that facilitate eating and speaking. There are several types of teeth, and they have different tasks. In humans, the front teeth are used for biting and the back teeth are used for chewing food. Teeth in the upper jaw work with teeth in the lower jaw to cut, tear and grind the food. Digestion begins in the mouth, and teeth are an essential part of this process. Teeth also help support the muscles in the face and support the shape of the face.

Humans and some other animals grow two sets of teeth. The first teeth erupt when the baby is about six months old to two years old. These are called baby, primary or deciduous teeth. The second set of teeth, called permanent teeth, appear from age six to the early 20s.

Teeth begin to develop at around two months of gestation. Even though a baby appears to be toothless when it’s born, tooth buds that develop into all of the baby’s primary teeth as well as the four permanent molars are hidden in the baby’s gums. As the baby grows, the teeth begin to develop round these tooth buds.

The first teeth to erupt are the incisors in the center and front of the jaws. They’re followed by the first molars, the canines and the second molars. As the teeth start to come in, the baby should have his or her first visit to the dentist.

Eventually, the roots of the deciduous teeth begin to dissolve. When the permanent teeth are ready to appear, the primary teeth normally start to fall out.

The human has 32 permanent teeth. The first to come are the six year molars, then the incisors, the canines, the bicuspids and the second and third molars.

Daily brushing and flossing are essential to keeping the teeth clean. This oral hygiene also stimulates the gums and keeps them firm. Among the problems that can come when the teeth and gums aren’t cared for are cavities, which are holes caused by tooth decay. They usually appear on the chewing surfaces on the back teeth and on the surfaces of teeth where they touch each other. These surfaces are hard for a toothbrush to reach, which is why flossing is important.

Dentists recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles, because hard bristled toothbrushes can damage the gums or even the teeth. People should also visit a dentist at least twice a year, even if they believe they take care of their teeth. A dentist can see the beginnings of disease or defects that the patient can’t yet detect.

Dentists can also treat dental caries and diseases like periodontal disease, which is a disease of the gums. They can also treat malocclusion, which is when the teeth in the upper and lower jaws fail to meet properly. Many dentists offer cosmetic dentistry, which improves the look of teeth that might be discolored, cracked, chipped, or crooked.