Taking care of Teeth
Everyone is aware of the importance of teeth in our daily life. The primary function of teeth is to bite and chew the food that we intake. However, they are important in carrying out other activities, too. Teeth help in uttering some words and thus help us while speaking. People often feel awkward to smile or laugh openly due to unhealthy teeth. A cheerful smile is only complete if we have good and healthy teeth. As a matter of fact, structure and health of teeth contributes a lot to the facial appearance of a person. So, let us try to learn more about this wonderful part of our body.
Primary and Permanent Teeth
Teeth are not present at the time of birth. The growth and development of teeth starts after few months of birth. The teeth that develop in the early stage of life (during childhood) are called as deciduous teeth. They are also popular by the name of milk teeth, primary teeth or baby teeth. Deciduous teeth are so called because like the leaves of deciduous tree, we lose them in later part of our life. There are about 20 deciduous teeth which starts growing from about 6 months of age. The entire growth of 20 teeth is over when you reach two and half years of age. These teeth are lost during six years to twelve years of your age.
When you lose primary teeth, second lot of teeth starts developing which are known as permanent teeth. We have 32 permanent teeth at the stage of maturity. Almost every permanent tooth is developed when you reach 18-25 years of age. Permanent teeth take the space of primary teeth as they grow in the mouth.
Composition of a Tooth
Every tooth consists of two parts, the crown and the root. The crown is the part of the tooth which is visible to us. The root of the teeth is present inside the jawbone to provide strength.
Teeth comprises of three layers, enamel, dentine and pulp. Enamel is the hard covering which provides protection to the crown of the tooth. Dentine is the second covering that protects the nerve of the tooth. Pulp is soft middle part of the tooth that has blood supply and nerve endings.
Tips for keeping your tooth healthy
Almost everyone is aware of the importance of brushing the teeth on a regular basis. It is suggested to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after having dinner or before going to bed.
Always use a small brush with soft bristles for brushing your teeth. Toothpaste containing fluoride shall only be used for brushing. However, make sure that you spit after finishing the cleaning procedure. Spend at least 3 minutes to brush your teeth. Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly and make sure that your brush reaches every part of the teeth.
Rinse your toothbrush under running water after brushing. Always store your brush in clean and dry place. Avoid sharing the toothbrush as it may spread germs. Keep changing the toothbrush once in every two to three months.
Some interesting facts
It is possible to keep your teeth alive till you survive. Teeth are the hardest part of your body. We usually can not have teeth once they are lost and hence they must be properly cared. However, animals like sharks have three rows of teeth and they grow after losing one. Bottled water is not good for teeth as they do not have fluoride. Milk and cheese are good foods for teeth as they contain minerals that help to repair tooth enamel.
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