Do you know how many teeth you have? This question has probably been asked by everyone, some of them know the exact answer, but for most of them this topic is very vague, that’s why we will delve into this topic with you. In fact, the number of teeth depends on two factors: age and the presence of certain diseases. As you know, children and adults have different sets of teeth and their number is different. Consider the difference between children’s and adult teeth, and review conditions that may affect the number of teeth.
baby teeth
Teething in children begins at about six months of age. These first teeth are known as baby teeth or primary teeth. As you know, they will eventually change and be replaced by adult teeth.
How many teeth do children have?
Children have 20 milk teeth. This includes 10 teeth on the upper and 10 on the lower jaw. All 20 of them are usually fully erupted by the age of three and act as “placeholders” for the permanent teeth that erupt after the baby teeth erupt. Around the age of six, most children begin to lose their baby teeth. This process continues until children reach early adolescence.
It is important to note that baby teeth require the same care as permanent teeth, even though they are temporary teeth. An oral care routine should begin before a baby’s first tooth erupts. At this time, the baby’s gums are cleaned with a clean, soft, dewy cloth. After the first tooth erupts, parents can brush the tooth with a baby toothbrush and a small amount of suitable toothpaste.
How many teeth do adults have?
When permanent teeth erupt, there is more space in the mouth, so more teeth erupt. Most adults have 32 teeth, which is 12 more than children! Among these 32 teeth are 8 incisors, 4 molars, 8 premolars and 12 molars, including 4 wisdom teeth. In adults, it is very common to remove wisdom teeth, because often there is no room for them to be properly developed and extracted. Most people have a full set of permanent teeth by their teenage years.
Conditions affecting the number of teeth
Premature tooth loss is very common. Periodontal or gum diseases are the main reason why adults lose their teeth. Fortunately, prevention is possible and simple – it includes brushing and flossing twice a day, using a doctor’s prescription, and preventive visits to the dentist.
Other causes of tooth loss include:
- Caries
- Ectodermal dysplasia (a genetic disorder that can affect the teeth)
- Gastrointestinal reflux (severe tooth erosion that causes stomach acid to enter the mouth)
In addition to tooth loss, there is also a condition called tooth agenesis – the lack of teeth in the mouth. At this time, none of the teeth in the mouth may erupt or 1 to 6 or more teeth may be missing. This condition is genetic and quite rare.
There are also circumstances when an extra tooth grows in the cavity of the tooth. The most common type is secondary incisors, which are located between two central incisors.
Now you know how many teeth we have! As a rule, children have 20 teeth, and adults have 32 (28 if wisdom teeth are removed). Remember that each of them needs your care, including baby teeth. There are cases when the number of teeth changes due to tooth loss, tooth agenesis or supernumerary teeth. Therefore, maintain oral hygiene no matter how many teeth you have. This will help ensure that your teeth stay healthy for a long time.
