FAQs About Permanent Teeth

Parents may have questions about their children's permanent teeth or adults may also want to reach out to a dentist to learn more about how to best care for their teeth. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about permanent teeth.

How many permanent teeth should a child have?

Once all a child's permanent teeth come in, they should have 32 teeth. There should be four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four cuspids (also called canine teeth or eyeteeth), four first bicuspids (also called first premolars), four second bicuspids (also known as second premolars), four first molars (also known as six-year molars), four-second molars (also called 12-year molars), and four third molars (also called wisdom teeth).

What is the structure of a tooth?

Each tooth has three main parts:

• Crown: the visible part of the tooth, covered in a protective layer called enamel
• Neck: part of the tooth that is between the crown and the root
• Root: part of the tooth that extends through the gum and into the jawbone

What problems can arise from not taking care of the teeth

Not brushing and flossing teeth often enough (at least twice a day) can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky, clear film made up of bacteria and food particles that forms on teeth even just a few minutes after eating. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, and bacteria cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.

Plaque and tartar lead to several problems, including:

• Abscesses
• Bad breath
• Cavities
• Gingivitis (early and reversible stage of gum disease)
• Pain
• Periodontitis (later stages and non-reversible stages of gum disease)

Plaque and tartar can even cause health problems in other parts of the body, such as preterm labor in pregnant women and heart disease.

What can I do to keep my teeth and gums healthy?

It would be best to floss at least once each day, preferably after brushing. Flossing is to remove plaque on the gums and in between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.

Use a soft-bristled brush for at least two minutes, two or more times a day. Use fluoride toothpaste because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Replace a toothbrush every three to four months or sooner, as needed. A worn-out brush will not clean as effectively as a new brush.

Eat a healthy diet will make gum disease less likely. Avoid sweet foods and sweetened drinks. Eating and drinking sweet things will increase one's risk for cavities. However, if one does eat or drink something sweet, they should be sure to brush their teeth afterward.