Teeth Are More Than A Pretty Smile

Our mouths are filled with many important teeth

, each having a special name and special purpose. We take for granted how much our teeth really do for us. Without them, we would not be able to eat food properly and ultimately it would effect our digestion as the food we were ingesting wouldn't be chewed and broken down properly. Even though every tooth has its function, a few seem to stand out above the rest.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last of your adult teeth to arrive. Usually they develop between the ages of sixteen to twenty-five. You will have four wisdom teeth. One located on each side of your mouth, two up top, and two below and they appear at the very back of your mouth. In rare instances, some adults may not develop wisdom teeth. Since these teeth emerge as you are maturing and growing into adulthood the name "wisdom teeth" only seems appropriate.

Although these teeth can come in quite handy as they help with chewing and grinding of food, they also can pose problems which can lead to adults dreading the arrival of them. These teeth tend to be quite painful as they cut through the gum and because all the other adult teeth are set in place and have been for quite some time, unfortunately often there is no space for these new teeth. The shortage of space can cause problems in the entire mouth, pushing previously straight teeth into less straight positions and just simply crowding all the other teeth causing pressure and pain.

Symptoms of unwanted wisdom teeth are irritation at the site, swelling of the gum, and stiffness of the jaw where the teeth are located. If the wisdom teeth continue to cause havoc and pain, the decision to have them removed is made. The process to have the extractions done is a simple process unless the teeth haven't entirely cut through the gum or they are impacted in the jaw. If this happens to be the case, you may need to have the extractions done by a dental surgeon or otherwise known as a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery).

The Importance of Molars

Molars are the last teeth in your mouth (before your wisdom teeth). You have eight in total; four on each side of your mouth, four on top, four on bottom. Molars are the biggest teeth and have a big flat surface that helps when chewing food. Their main purpose is to chew and grind food down into small enough pieces that can be swallowed without choking. Adult molars usually appear around age six to eight.

Where are Cuspids and Bicuspids?

The cuspids, or also known as canine teeth are long and pointed. They look similar to fangs or dog teeth, hence the name canine teeth. The cuspids are located in upper jaw and lower jaw, one on each side. Cuspids are used to tear apart food as they are very sharp teeth. The bicuspids also know as premolars are located between the cuspids and molars. There are four upper bicuspids and four lower. They are used to transition food from the front of the mouth to the back; as well, they assist in chewing food.

by: Rachel Nolander

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