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The Difference Between Adult & Baby Teeth

Difference between baby and adult teethWhat are 5 differences between adult and baby teeth?

Last Updated: 5/26/2023

As humans, we grow two sets of teeth: primary and permanent. There are five primary differences between adult and baby teeth.
 
Difference in total number of teeth
Difference in when teeth erupt
Difference in types of teeth
Difference in tooth anatomy
Difference in tooth composition

 

 

 

Primary teeth (aka baby or deciduous teeth) Baby and Adult Teeth Eruption Chart

The first set of teeth are called baby or primary teeth. The average first baby tooth will be visible around six months of age. A total of twenty primary teeth will grow in by the time your child is two to three years old.
 
8 incisors (4 top, 4 bottom)
4 canines (2 top, 2 bottom)
8 molars (4 top, 4 bottom)

 

 

Permanent teeth (aka adult teeth)

The second set of teeth are called permanent or adult teeth. Typically, permanent teeth begin to grow in between the ages of five and seven. An adult who has all their permanent teeth will have a total of thirty-two teeth.
 
8 incisors (4 top, 4 bottom)
4 canines (2 top, 2 bottom)
8 premolars (4 top, 4 bottom)
12 molars (6 top, 6 bottom)

 

Application of dental sealants is a highly recommended preventive measure to help prevent permanent molars from developing tooth decay.

 

 

 

 

4 Types of Teeth

There are four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each tooth has a primary function. The number of each type of tooth varies between primary and permanent teeth.

 

Incisor TeethCentral Incisor Tooth

Shaped like a flat chisel, incisors are used to cut and chop food into bite-sized pieces.

 
Primary  8 incisors (4 top, 4 bottom)

Adult      8 incisors (4 top, 4 bottom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canine TeethCanine Tooth

Sharp and pointed, canines help grip and tear food.

Primary  4 canines (2 top, 2 bottom)

Adult      4 canines (2 top, 2 bottom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Premolar TeethPremolar Tooth

Premolars are a miniature sized molar and help to tear and crush food.
Primary   0 premolars

Adult       8 premolars (4 top, 4 bottom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molar Teeth Molar Tooth

Molars, the largest tooth, work alongside the tongue to chew, crush, and grind up food until it can be swallowed.

Primary   8 molars (4 top, 4 bottom)

Adult       12 molars (6 top, 6 bottom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tooth Anatomy & Composition Human Tooth Anatomy

Each tooth has a crown and a root covered by gum tissue and each tooth has three primary layers: enamel, dentin, and the pulp.

 

Crown

The crown is the visible portion of a tooth made of hard enamel.

 

Root

The root is the part of the tooth that is embedded in the jawbone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and is covered with gum tissue. The roots of primary teeth are often more slender and shorter than permanent teeth.

 
Gum Line

The visible line where the tooth and gums meet. The gum line is susceptible to inflammation if not properly cared for.

 

Enamel

Enamel is a hard mineralized layer of tooth that is susceptible to tooth decay if not properly cared for. The thickness of enamel determines the outward color of a tooth. Primary teeth have a thicker layer of enamel, hence appear brighter than permanent teeth.

 

Dentin

Dentin makes up the bulk of the tooth and contains nerve endings from the pulp. If your dentist tells you that you have a dental cavity that requires a dental filling, it means that the decay has tunneled through the enamel layer and into the dentin layer. Left untreated, the decay will progress into the nerve of the tooth causing a painful toothache.

 

Pulp (nerve)

The pulp is the innermost part of a tooth. The pulp contains nerve tissue and blood vessels. Tooth decay reaches the pulp, the tooth will become infected and painful. Primary teeth have a smaller nerve chamber than permanent teeth.
 

 

Questions?

If you have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call (763) 586-9988 or ask us at your next appointment.
 

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