How many Teeth do Humans have?

Teeth are the only part of the human body which cannot heal itself. It makes it all the more necessary for us to indulge in proper dental hygiene. But before you go brushing and flossing your teeth, one question that needs answering is how many teeth do humans have!

Do you know the answer? When do children start teething? How many teeth do we actually need? All these questions and more are answered below for you. Just scroll down and keep reading.

(Image Courtesy: Frisco Dentist)

How Many Teeth Do Children Have?

The quickest answer to the question, how many teeth do children have, would be 20. Although the first teeth of a baby become visible around six to eight months after birth, these begin forming in the womb itself. Another important point to note is that while some children may start teething as early as three months, some can also take up to a year for their teeth to break through the gums. The bottom two teeth are usually the ones that appear first, followed by the two at the top. These early teeth are sometimes referred to as deciduous, primary or milk teeth.

The complete 20 teeth, 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower, emerge somewhere around the 2.5-3 year mark. These milk teeth start falling out around the six-year mark and get replaced by the time they reach their teen years.

(Image Courtesy: Livestrong)

How Many Teeth Do Adults Have?

By the time they reach adulthood, most people develop a set of 32 teeth, with each jaw having 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars and 4 molars. There are also two third molars, but since most people, especially in the US, have these removed in their teens, an average American has 28 teeth in his mouth. Most teeth, except for the last four, come in by the time a person reaches the age of 17. However, in some cases, these can come in at as early as 13 years old, or as late as 25 years.

The human teeth have evolved to last about 40 to 50 years. Since the life expectancy in humans is way beyond that, almost everyone above this age faces some dental problem in their life.

(Image Courtesy: Health)

How Many Teeth Do We Need?

Though it has been an issue to debate and immense research, many dentists agree that ‘20’ is the perfect number. Though we are blessed with 32 white pearls, doctors agree that based on their functionality, 20 can do the job for us.

(Image Courtesy: Sweet Water Dentistry)

Before you go, check out some interesting facts about teeth.

#1. The enamel of the tooth is the hardest part of the human body.

#2. Average human beings spend more than a month of their lifetime brushing their teeth. The count is about 38.5 days for most people.

#3. By brushing your teeth, you only clean 40 percent of your teeth’s surface. That is why dentists recommend flossing.

#4. Just like finger prints, tooth prints are also unique to every individual and can be used to tell one person from another.

#5. The toothpaste that we use today was only invented about 100 years ago. Before that, people used chalk, charcoal ash, lemon juice and other concoctions for dental care.

(Image Courtesy: The Tooth Corner)

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(Featured Image Courtesy: Business Insider)