Teeth
Humans and animals have many different types of teeth. Our teeth will change with age. So, the teeth you have when you are a baby aren't the same as the one's you will have as an adult. Bacteria can ruin teeth and stop them from doing their job.
Types of teeth
Humans have three main types of teeth:
a. Canines - used for tearing and ripping food.
b. Incisors - help you bite off and chew pieces of food.
c. Molars - help you crush and grind food.
We also sometimes have up to 4 wisdom teeth at the back of our mouths. They now have no use at all and often cause a lot of issues. Scientists believe we have had these teeth, when the human diet contained many more tough leaves!
This funny clip from Operation Ouch shows why it is important for humans to have a variety of teeth
How our teeth develop
Humans have two sets of teeth in their life:
1. Milk (baby) teeth
These are the first set of teeth to grow. They start growing between six and ten months of age. A child will have around 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is three years old.
2. Permanent (adult) teeth
Baby teeth should begin to fall out by the age of six, leaving space for adult teeth to grow. An adult can grow up to 32 permanent teeth.
Looking after teeth
Sugar left in the mouth is eaten by bacteria. The bacteria make acid that rots teeth and cause tooth decay.
Taking care of our teeth prevents tooth decay. You can take care of your teeth by:
brushing twice a day
eating the right foods (not too many sugary ones)
visiting the dentist regularly
Teeth in other animals
Animals that eat only meat are called carnivores. Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores. Carnivores and herbivores have different types of teeth, to suit the type of food they eat. Animals that eat both are called omnivores.
