A tooth is a calcified structure present in the jawbones of
humans. The function of teeth is to help in chewing and tearing
the food. Adult teeth are also known as permanent teeth. They
develop by substituting the primary or milk teeth. Adult teeth
start erupting around the age of six. As both the milk teeth and
adult teeth are available in the mouth at the same time this
phase is called dentition. Children have all their adult teeth
till the second molars by the time they reach the age group of
12 to 14. Only the wisdom teeth or third molars appear later.
There are 32 adult teeth, 16 teeth in each jaw which consists of
8 Incisors: These have single root. The teeth are slim and
pointed which is useful in cutting and slicing the food. 4
Canines: These also have single root. The teeth are pointed and
used for gripping and ripping the food. 8 Premolars: These have
double roots. The teeth have planes and sharp surfaces, and are
used for mashing the food. 12 Molars: These have 3 branches to
the roots. They are eve