Teeth Two sets of teeth grow into your mouth during your life. When you were born, all these teeth were hidden inside your gums. You looked like you had no teeth at all. Then your primary teeth, or baby teeth, started to grow in. All these teeth grew in by the time you were tow or three years old. You had 20 teeth in the set.

Permanent Teeth When you were about six, you probably began to lose your primary teeth and get your permanent teeth, or adult teeth. You are still getting your permanent teeth. That set has 32 teeth. As your permanent teeth grow in, they push out your baby teeth. Your last permanent teeth will grow in when you are in your late teens.

Different Kinds of Teeth  Incisors  In the front center of your mouth.  They are thin and flat, with sharp tops.  You use them to cut your food.  Cuspids  Next to your incisors.  They have one sharp point.  They help the incisors cut and tear your food.

Different Kinds of Teeth  Bicuspids  They have two points.  They are located in the back of your mouth.  They crush and grind food.  Molars  Teeth in the back of your mouth.  They crush and grind food.  They have broad, flat surfaces.

Parts of a Tooth Crownthe part of the tooth that is outside the gums Gums the reddish pink tissue around the bottoms of your teeth. Root the part inside the gums and bone

Parts of a Tooth Each tooth has several layers. Enamel the hardest substance in your body—harder than your bones Dentin the middle part of a tooth It is hard,but not as hard as enamel. Pulp the layer of living cells that fills the middle of the tooth. It is soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels running through it.

Tooth Decay The major cause of tooth loss among young people is tooth decay, or dental caries. Tooth decay is caused by microorganisms in your mouth. These microorganisms make up a sticky, colorless mixture called plaque.

Tooth Decay Microorganisms in plaque mixes with sugar and then makes a strong substance called acids. Acid eats away the enamel on your teeth. In time the acids soften the enamel and wear part of it away. Microorganisms then enter and form a hole, or cavity, in the tooth.

Cavities If a cavity is not filled, it grows bigger and deeper. The acid eat through the dentin. They reach the tooth pulp and attack the nerves. That makes the tooth ache. If the cavity is taken care of early, the tooth can be saved. If you take good care of your teeth, you may avoid getting any cavities.

Gum Disease The roots of your teeth go into your jawbone. But your teeth still need the help of your gums to stay in place. Gums help protect the roots of your teeth from disease. The plaque that causes tooth decay can also harm your gums. Plaque hardens on your teeth. The plaque near the gum line an push your gums away from your teeth. Microorganisms can grow in the space between your gums and your teeth.

Gum Disease Gum disease can loosen the teeth and make them fall out. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in older people. Often begins when a person is young. You can prevent gum disease be removing plague from your mouth before it hardens.

Caring for Your Teeth Tooth care begins with keeping your teeth clean. This way plaque never has a chance to form. Brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque and food from teeth. Dental floss is a special string that can be rubbed between the teeth. It finishes the job that brushing starts.

Dentist Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is an important part of caring for your teeth. It is wise to see a dentist once every six months. Dental Hygienist might be the one to clean your teeth and then the dentist can find and treat problems with your teeth.