A tooth in man consists of three hard tissues. They are enamel, dentin, cementum, surrounding a soft tissue and it is pulp. The pulp is surrounded by dentin on all sides except at the apical foramen, where it is continuous with the periodontal soft tissue. The dentin forms the bulk of tooth. But it is not exposed outside. Dentin is yellowish in color. A part of the tooth is covered by enamel which is known as crown. The part covered by cementum is known as root. The part of the root area immediately adjacent to the crown is called the neck of the tooth.
Human dentition consists of two sets of teeth:- (1) primary or deciduous or milk dentition (2) secondary or permanent dentition. Primary teeth are 20 in number, 10 in each jaw. They start appearing in the mouth at the age of 6 months and continue 2.5 to 3 years. Secondary teeth are 32 in number, 16 in each jaw. They start appearing at the age of six years. By the age of 13 years 28 teeth have erupted. The remaining four teeth appear any time between 18 to 25 years. These teeth are called wisdom teeth.
Functions of teeth :
The teeth have the following functions in man :
Helps in mastication
Aids in articulation and speech
Gives shape and beauty to the face
Like in animals, it may be used for self protection and attack.
Teeth are really so important.. We all should take care of our teeth.
