Teeth Names and Positions
Having a good understanding of the teeth names and positions is essential for taking appreciation in just how incredible our teeth and mouth structure is.
All human beings receive two sets of teeth throughout their life. The first set is known as Primary teeth or Baby Teeth and consist of 20 individual teeth. The second set are known as Permanent or Adult Teeth and consist of 32 individual teeth.
Although in some cases many adults have less than 32 as their Wisdom Teeth are removed. The Adult teeth start to erupt about around age 13.
The Palmer Notation or the Military Tooth Numbering System is a system used by dentists and orthodontists to associate certain positions of the teeth; this system is very popular within the United Kingdom.
Palmers Notation divides the teeth into 4 sections, known as quadrants. The Upper left quadrant, the Lower left quadrant, the Upper right quadrant and the Lower right quadrant. The teeth are then located within these sections and then are broken down individually. Making it very easy to understand where they are and what they are called.
- Incisors – 8 in total, the ‘middle’ teeth on the Upper and Lower jaws.
- Canines – 4 in total, the ‘pointed’ teeth outside the Incisors.
- Premolars – 8 in total, between the Molars and Canines.
- Molars – 8 in total, the teeth that grind our food, found in the rear of the mouth.
- Wisdom or Third Molars – 4 in total, located at the very back of the mouth. Most often removed to prevent the displacement of other teeth.
The human teeth are essential for chewing and are very important in the role of speech. They also have the hardest substance within the body so it is important to find out what the tooth is made up of;
- Enamel – The white outer part that is the hardest part of the tooth. Enamel is made of Calcium Phosphate.
- Dentin – made of living cells, Dentin releases a hard mineral substance that is found under the enamel.
- Pulp – The living inner structure. Nerves and blood vessels run through this.
- Cementum – Like the names suggests, this is the ‘glue’ that holds the teeth firmly to the gums and jawbone.
- Periodontal Ligament – this is a tissue that holds the teeth against the jaw.
Understanding the lay out and nature of the human teeth is important as we have teeth throughout the majority of our human lives. They help us to chew and talk and are in constant need of good maintenance and care.
Always consult with your dentist if you have any queries at all regarding your teeth.