How Well Do You Know Your Teeth?

Do you only think about your teeth when something is wrong with them? You’re not alone. But in doing so you are cheating yourself out of a life-changing experience. The feelings of self- esteem and confidence that come with beautiful teeth and a confident smile should not be missed. Let Forest & Ray examine your pearly-whites FREE so you can rediscover what life is like with perfect, healthy teeth.

What are teeth made of?

This seems like the logical first question to ask in attempting to learn more about your own teeth. In fact, there are actually two parts to the tooth-the external covering of the visible part of the tooth, known as the crown, and the inner parts which actually make up most of the tooth. The external surface of the tooth is made from a material called enamel. This is a hard, shiny substance which protects the sensitive inner part of the tooth and is actually the hardest natural substance in the body.
Beneath the enamel lies a sensitive substance called dentine. This is softer than the enamel and it protects the inner part of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp is where each tooth’s blood supply and nerve endings are found which play an essential part in keeping the tooth alive and healthy. Finally, there is a substance known as cementum which covers the root of the tooth, and the periodontal fibres which connect the tooth to the jaw.

How many teeth do we have?

This straightforward question deserves a simple answer. Children have 20 teeth, adults - 32. A child’s milk teeth are formed early and eventually fall out but, nonetheless, before they do, they perform an important function in the growth of the jaw cavity.  They create the space into which the permanents teeth will grow. Milk teeth also play an essential part in the development of the smile and speech. All the more reason to have your child come to us regularly. And, speaking of smile and speech, these are primary reasons for adults who are not thrilled about either to also come and see us.

What are the wisdom teeth and why are they often removed?

They are often thought to be called this because as adults we are supposed to possess wisdom. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt and anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse foods – like leaves, roots, nuts, and meats. This diet required much chewing and resulted in much wear and tear on the teeth. As our diets have changed, dentists often feel that wisdom teeth have outlived their usefulness. That’s why they are often removed from the adult mouth.

Other names for teeth

Incisors - The four front teeth on the top and bottom jaw that are used for cutting and chopping food.
Canine teeth - These are sharp, pointy teeth which help to tear food. There is one on each side of your incisors on your top and bottom jaw, making a total of four.
Premolars - Premolars-also called bicuspid teeth - are located next to the canine teeth and are bigger and wider than the incisors and canine teeth. There are four on your top jaw and four on the bottom - eight in total. They are used for crushing and grinding food.
Molars - The molars are your strongest teeth and together with your tongue help you swallow food, mashing it up until it’s ready to be swallowed safely. There are eight molars: four on top and four on the bottom.

Want to Know More? 

You need look no further than Forest & Ray’s Budapest Dental clinic to find out more about your teeth and how to improve your smile. And, oh, did we mention that the first consultation to get you started on the road to beautiful teeth is FREE? You may no longer need us to lecture you on the type of teeth in your mouth now that you have read and digested this primer. But our dental pros will do so if you ask! Our FREE consultation is one more reason to visit us and to look into having great teeth again and a radiant smile. Why delay any longer? Contact us today. You’ll be glad you did!