How Many Teeth Do Humans Have at All Stages in Life?

Glancing at someone’s teeth might reveal a lot about them. To begin with, one can determine a person’s estimated age by counting their teeth and noting which ones they have. Did you know that human teeth are one of the only things our bodies can’t repair on their own?

This is thanks to the enamel coating the bone, which is not a living tissue. Throughout their lifespan, humans only obtain two sets of teeth. Human teeth stop growing when the second set has completely emerged, but other animals, like horses and rabbits, continue to produce teeth that need to be worn down or filed.

Today we’re going to talk about how many teeth humans have throughout various stages of life. Let’s start where it all begins!

Baby Teeth

Most newborns lack teeth when they are born. However, “milk teeth” can occasionally appear at birth. These additional baby teeth do not normally contribute to your child’s smile. Milk teeth are typically removed because they obstruct eating. 

Six to 12 months after your child begins to spring their first baby tooth, they will continue to do so until all 20 of their baby teeth have emerged. There will then be a period of time when no new teeth grow and everything seemingly comes to a halt. 

However, their adult permanent teeth have begun growing deep beneath their gums! Toddlers will have eight incisors, four canines, and eight molars. Adult molars don’t show up until the ages of 9 to 12.

Adult Human Teeth

After the temporary teeth begin to fall out, the permanent teeth take their place. By kindergarten or first grade, the majority of kids sprout their first adult teeth. Someone call the tooth fairy because this is the age when kids start losing their baby teeth! Boys usually get them later than girls do.

Throughout the later part of childhood, we develop 32 adult permanent teeth. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last set to mature and erupt. They can keep developing until a person is 30 years old. Once you have all 32 teeth, you won’t grow anymore. 

The teeth you have at this point include 12 molars, eight incisors, eight premolars, and four canines. 

Wisdom Teeth

Speaking of wisdom teeth, many people don’t end up keeping them as part of their second set of teeth. The emergence of wisdom teeth typically occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. There are some people who have wisdom teeth that erupt normally and align with the teeth behind the second molars. 

The mouth is frequently overcrowded nevertheless, for third molars to form correctly. When the third molars are too crowded, they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can emerge or stay completely under the gums.

It’s important for a dentist to look at impacted wisdom teeth. These teeth can cause decay, cysts, and damage to the surrounding teeth.

Layers of Human Teeth

There are several layers within each tooth. Each layer plays a specific role. Let’s take a look at them individually to get a better idea of what every layer does. 

Tooth Enamel

The hardest substance that exists in the human body is tooth enamel. It covers the tips of teeth. At the gumlines, where the tooth’s neck begins to taper, it ends. The function of enamel is to protect the internal tooth components while also providing durability and force for the process of chewing and biting. 

Dentin

Dentin is present immediately beneath the enamel. The strength of enamel far exceeds that of dentin. Due to the numerous nerve endings that are dispersed throughout this layer, it additionally becomes more susceptible to irritation.  Dentin can become extremely sensitive or painful if it becomes exposed for any reason whatsoever, including receding gums or decay of the teeth. 

Pulp and Cementum

The pulp or nerve is located in the tooth’s deepest layer. The supply of blood that your tooth requires to keep alive is provided by these tissues. If you happen to ever get a pustule, the pulp is either infected or decaying. 

There is an additional tooth layer known as cementum that solely protects the root surfaces. Tiny fibers can anchor the tooth to the surrounding bone and gum tissue using the cementum as a foundation.

Final Thoughts on Human Teeth

Throughout life, you may have as many as 32 teeth. It is up to us as individuals to regularly use care and a proper oral hygiene routine to keep our teeth healthy. Twice-daily brushing and flossing, a diet low in sugar, and dental visits can ensure that your teeth keep for many years to come!