Name : Adiwa Hove

Candidate No: 07
School : Victoria Falls Primary School
Class : 2023
Date: 11/01/23 - 18/01/23
Duration: 1 week

RESEARCH

TYPES OF TEETH

The human teeth function to mechanically break down items of

food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing
and digesting. As such, they are considered part of the human
digestive system. Humans have four types of teeth: incisors, canines,
premolars, and molars, which each have a specific function.
FUNCTIONS OF TEETH

● Incisor- Incisors are the four most middle teeth on both the top
and bottom jaws. Incisors take the first bites into food and help
support the lips as well. There are two types of incisors – central
incisors and lateral incisors.

● Central incisors - Central incisors can be found in the front part of

your jaws. The top row of central incisors are shaped like shovels and
are the most prominent feature of your smile. The bottom central
incisors have a single root. Their main function is to help to chew food
in mastication.

● Lateral incisors -Lateral incisors play a crucial role in digestion, as

they help to divide food into smaller pieces during mastication. The next
time you chew your food, you will know that your lateral incisors are
hard at work!
Canine -Canines help to shear food, support the lips and are
complementary in assisting your incisors and premolars in the chewing of
food. More importantly, canines guide all your teeth into place when the top
and lower jaw come into contact.

Lower canine- Your four canine teeth sit next to the incisors. You have
two canines on the top of your mouth and two on the bottom. Canines have a
sharp, pointy surface for tearing food. The first baby canines come in between
the ages of 16 months and 20 months.

Upper canine- The location of the canines reflect their dual function as
they complement both the premolars and incisors during mastication,
commonly known as chewing. Nonetheless, the most common action of the
canines is tearing of food. The canines often erupt in the upper gums several
millimeters above the gum line.
Premolar -Premolars have two cusps. They are flat on top and are used to,
surprise, surprise, chew food. Specifically, premolars tear and grind food into
smaller pieces when chewing. An interesting fact about the premolars is that
they help to maintain the height of your face.

Molar - Molars are rounded and used for grinding food into easily
swallowed pieces. The smaller and sharper front teeth are used for biting and
tearing food. Molars are designed to sustain great amounts of force from
chewing, grinding, and clenching, and each molar is anchored to the jaw
bone with two to four roots.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

The main cause of tooth decay is when plaque is building up on your teeth. It
can also lead to other problems like gum disease, dental abscesses and holes
in gums or teeth.
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that
develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries,
are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth,
frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health
problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults.
But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.

If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth.
They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental
visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against
cavities and tooth decay.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent

and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have
any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs
and symptoms such as:

● Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without

any apparent cause
● Tooth sensitivity
● Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something
sweet, hot or cold
● Visible holes or pits in your teeth
● Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
● Pain when you bite down