Tooth Anatomy
The basic anatomy of the tooth includes <1>:
• Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
• Dentin: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which produce a hard mineral substance.
• Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.
• Cementum: A layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
• Periodontal ligament: Tissue that helps hold the teeth tightly against the jaw.
• Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
• Dentin: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which produce a hard mineral substance.
• Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.
• Cementum: A layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
• Periodontal ligament: Tissue that helps hold the teeth tightly against the jaw.
Understanding Teething
The first set of baby teeth is called primary teeth (also known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth). There are a total of 20 teeth that make up primary teeth. On each arch, the teeth are divided into different types of teeth based on their structure and location: 4 incisors, 2 canines, and 4 molars. In comparison to adult teeth (also called permanent teeth), we will have a total of 32 teeth with a set of 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, and 6 molars on each arch <2>.
When do Primary Teeth Come Out?
Primary teeth start erupting from the gums between 6 to 12 months of age. Every child will develop differently. A primary tooth eruption delay of up to 6 months can be normal in a healthy child <2>. If a delay in tooth eruption is more than 12 months, you should go see your dentist to check for other dental problems. By around age 3, children should have their first set of 20 primary teeth <3>.
Reasons for delayed tooth eruptions <2>:
Other less common reasons <2>:
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References:
1. WebMD. Oral Care. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth. Accessed June 25, 2013.
2. Bourassa M. Patient Self-Care. Chapter 87: Teething. 2nd ed. Toronto, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010:851-856.
3. American Dental Association. Dental development. http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/development.asp. Accessed June 25, 2013.
Images:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/1121.jpg
https://nuby.com/media/categories/health0_hdr_1.jpg
http://kitsfamilydental.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/adult-tooth-development.jpg
http://www.studiodentaire.com/images/en/primary_teeth.jpghttp://dcm.denralcarematter.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-teeth-order.jpg
1. WebMD. Oral Care. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-teeth. Accessed June 25, 2013.
2. Bourassa M. Patient Self-Care. Chapter 87: Teething. 2nd ed. Toronto, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010:851-856.
3. American Dental Association. Dental development. http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/development.asp. Accessed June 25, 2013.
Images:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/1121.jpg
https://nuby.com/media/categories/health0_hdr_1.jpg
http://kitsfamilydental.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/adult-tooth-development.jpg
http://www.studiodentaire.com/images/en/primary_teeth.jpghttp://dcm.denralcarematter.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-teeth-order.jpg