Do you know how many teeth adults have? If not, then you are reading the right piece of content. The number of teeth adults have depends on certain factors, such as a person’s age and any medical or oral condition he or she might have. Kids and adults have different numbers of teeth. Here in this article, we’ll learn about a tooth’s structure, the difference between children’s and adult teeth, and ways to take care of this important part of the human mouth.
The three layers of teeth
The tooth is made up of 3 primary layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.
Enamel
The outmost layer of your teeth that you love to shine when you smile is enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue of the human body, which keeps the inner layers of your teeth safe from cavities and damage from daily use. This layer makes your teeth strong and healthy.
Dentin
The middle or second layer of a tooth is the dentin. It very closely resembles bone tissue and most of the tooth structure is made up of dentin. It contains millions of tiny tubes that connect it to the tooth pulp.
Pulp
The inner most layer of a tooth is the pulp which contains blood and nerves. This layer is what makes your tooth alive by providing the necessary nutrients. When you experience a toothache, this layer is responsible for the severity of the pain.
The crown is the part of a tooth that lies above the gum line. The part that is below it is the root that attaches the tooth to the jawbone.
How many baby teeth do you lose?
Once all of the baby teeth have erupted, a child will have 20 baby teeth, out of which 10 teeth erupt on top and 10 on the bottom gum. The time primary teeth start to fall out is the best opportunity for parents to teach their children about healthy oral habits. Teaching them good habits can help your child avoid finding it hard to take care of their adult teeth when all of them erupt.
Including wisdom teeth, adults have 32 teeth. Sometimes baby teeth are stuck and do not fall out. Depending on your condition, your dentist may suggest getting these teeth pulled out and replacing them with dental implants or other suitable options. Usually, baby teeth are only pulled out if they become a source of pain and discomfort, or there’s a risk that they may deviate the other adult teeth from their original position.
In total, the human mouth contains 32 adult teeth with the following breakdown:
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 premolars
- 12 molars
Out of the 12 molars that adults have, four are wisdom teeth. A person will have all of their secondary teeth by their late teens. For many adults, wisdom teeth can create problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, misalignment issues, and crowding. These issues can also result in infection, pain, inflammation, and bad breath. You may also find it hard to bite or chew. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of wisdom tooth pain, have a look at this detailed article.
For this reason, dentists suggest the removal of wisdom teeth so the other teeth can erupt without much hassle.
How many teeth do adults have on the top jaw?
On the top jaw, a person has four incisors and two canines. The main purpose of these sharp teeth is to chew food. Along with that, we have 4 molars on the top. Just like incisors and canines, these molars help in eating. They have comparatively broader surfaces that make it easy to grind the food to swallow without damaging the soft tissues of the throat.
How many teeth do adults have on the bottom jaw?
For most people, the teeth on the bottom are much similar to the top ones, including canines, incisors, molars, and premolars. On the bottom jaw, there are:
- 6 molars, 3 on each side of the mouth
- 2 canines, also called cuspids
- 4 incisors on the front side and
- 2 premolars, located between molars and cuspids. These are sharp teeth that help cut and tear the food.
Wisdom teeth in adults
Out of the 32 adult teeth a person has, 4 are our wisdom teeth. Most adults undergo wisdom teeth removal to avoid overcrowding or impaction. Overcrowded teeth can cause several dental issues in adults that can be hard to deal with. Ignoring a wisdom tooth or teeth extraction increases the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and impacted or misaligned teeth.
If you are 20 or more years old and still have your wisdom teeth, ask for a wisdom tooth extraction next time you visit your dentist. If you have all four of your wisdom teeth removed, you’ll end up with 28 adult teeth in your mouth.
Caring for baby teeth
- As soon as your baby gets a tooth, start brushing it
- You can also clean the tooth using a wet baby towel and rub it on the gums too.
- Once your toddler has his mouth full of teeth, you can start using a toothbrush that’s made specifically for kids. These come with soft bristles, so the gums don’t get damaged. Use one with a small head so it can clean effectively.
Taking care of adult teeth
Healthy teeth are the key to a beautiful smile, but often we ignore even basic oral hygiene habits. However, taking care of your teeth is as important as caring for the rest of your body.
Brushing and Flossing
Regularly brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day. Most dentists prefer toothpaste with fluoride in it. Brushing removes food debris and harmful bacteria from your mouth, teeth, and tongue. It also helps fight bad breath that you often encounter in the morning. Additionally, don’t forget to floss before brushing. Flossing helps eliminate the food particles stuck between the teeth where bristles cannot reach. This simple routine will promise you a fresher and healthier breath.
Eat and Drink Healthy
It’s better to avoid soda and other sugary drinks. The sugar and acid in these drinks can damage your adult teeth in ways that are sometimes difficult to treat. The content of these drinks can break your enamel, stain the teeth, cause cavities, and make your teeth weaker from the inside.
Hopefully, you know the exact answer as to how many teeth we have. Usually, kids have 20 teeth and adults 32 (including four wisdom teeth). For some individuals, the number of teeth can differ, and it can happen due to anodontia, injury, or overcrowding. Take good care of your pearly whites and keep smiling.