Get Wise About Your Teeth

Teeth come from calcium. Many animals are classified by their teeth. Humans have two sets of teeth during their lifetime, (diphyodontic) baby teeth and adult teeth, but other animals have more than two. Sharks have a new set of teeth about every two weeks and are polyphyodontic. Rodents have incisors that grow constantly. Consistent gnawing regulates the size of them. Some rodents, like guinea pigs, and rabbits, also have molars that grow constantly.

In humans, incisors are the four front teeth. Canines are the pointed teeth on each side, and demonstrate our carnivorous predisposition. There are two premolars on each side behind the canines, and three molars on each side behind the premolars. That makes 16 on top, and 16 on bottom for 32.

This includes wisdom teeth, which can be problematic if they are misaligned, causing nerve, gum and tooth damage. Many people require the removal of their wisdom teeth, resulting in two molars on each side. These teeth usually develop between the ages of 17 and 25. If you think you need your wisdom teeth removed, visit Dr. Yakov Eisenberger, your local Brooklyn orthodontist today. Dr. Yakov Eisenberger can let you know what steps to take if you do require the removal of your dens setentiae (that’s wisdom teeth in Latin).