How Many Teeth do Adults Have?

Most people are aware that children lose their baby teeth and grow permanent ones. But the question “How many teeth do adults actually have?” remains the same. The short answer is that, an adult has 32 permanent teeth, including four (4) wisdom teeth, which erupt later in life. However, some have 28 teeth if their wisdom teeth are removed or never appear. That’s why we always hear normal teeth count 28 vs. 32. 

Teeth are wonderful little instruments that serve us very faithfully day by day. They assist us in chewing, talking fluently, and smile with confidence. This is why it is so crucial to know the number of teeth you have and to take good care of them. Here is everything you should know about your adult teeth in as simple a way as possible. 

What is the real number of adult teeth?

The conventional response is 32 teeth, But here is the twist: not all adults really get to have the full 32. An adult set of teeth consists of eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and 12 molars. This totals 32 teeth. However, Many adults have fewer teeth, and that is perfectly normal. 

Some fortunate individuals never develop wisdom teeth at all. And so on; If you have your wisdom teeth extracted, you will now have 28 teeth, as opposed to 32. Other adults may have fewer teeth due to accidents, dental disease or genetic conditions such as hypodontia. Some individuals are born without some of their teeth, and it is not a rare occurrence, as you might imagine.

What are the types of Adult teeth?

A full set of teeth comprises four different types of teeth, each with its own unique function.

1.      Incisors

Incisors are flat teeth at the front of the upper and lower jaw. so if you are thinking, “How many teeth do adults have on top?” an adult has eight incisors with four on the top and four on the bottom. These are the first teeth that erupt after primary teeth, usually at the age of six.

2.      Canines

These are the pointed teeth right next to the incisors, and if you are wondering, “How many canine teeth do adults have? The answer is four. Two are located at the top, and two are located at the bottom. These are also known as cuspids and are meant to tear food.

3.      Pre-molars

Often referred to as bicuspids, an adult has eight premolars, located next to the canines, with four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. These are designed to crush food into tiny chewable pieces.

4.      Molars

These are the strongest teeth at the end of your mouth for crushing and grinding food. How many molars do adults have? The total number is 12, including four wisdom teeth. The first set of molars, 4, erupts at the age of six, The second set of 4 molars erupts at the age of 12, while the last set of wisdom teeth appears later in life.

So, the total number of teeth in an adult human, including wisdom teeth, is 32. Without the wisdom teeth, the total teeth count in an adult human is 28.

Average number of teeth in adults

What’s inside a tooth? Tooth anatomy explained

In addition to the tooth count, each tooth is composed of different layers that work together to keep it strong & functional.

The white outer part above the gum line is the crown, while the root firmly ties the tooth to the jawbone. The outermost protective layer is enamel, which is hard and below this, the sensitive part is Dentin.

Within the center of the tooth is the pulp, which contains the nerves, and blood vessels to keep teeth alive. These layers from the strong structure of the tooth allow your teeth to do the daily tasks of chewing, crushing, and grinding.

What are the most common problems with adult teeth?

As a dentist, i often encounter the same issues repeatedly. The positive thing is that most tooth issues are completely avoidable, provided you are aware of what to look out for.

• The most common problem that I still see in adults is cavities. Most folks believe that cavities are purely a kid issue, but it is not so. Adult cavities tend to develop between teeth or along the gum line, where they are difficult to clean. 
• Another imposing problem for adults is gum disease. It begins with gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed during brushing.
• Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding, is a common problem affecting millions of adults, primarily occurring at night. Others are doing it without knowing anything about it until the dentist identifies the wear marks. 

Another common complaint i hear is tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be very painful when exposed to hot food and beverages, such as coffee, as well as to cold air, or even ice cream. This issue can usually take years to develop due to eating acidic foods, rough brushing, or teeth grinding.

What Can I Do to be Better at Dental Care?

Caring about your adult teeth should not be a complicated and time-consuming process. The fundamentals are very basic.

• Brushing your teeth twice daily remains the most crucial thing you can do: use toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. 
• Flossing is as important as brushing, although it is often overlooked by people, who tend to do it only once a day. Flossing helps remove food and bacteria that accumulate between your teeth, and cannot be reached by your toothbrush.
• Remember: Your teeth are not tools!! I can tell how many people crack and damage their teeth trying to open packages, cracking nuts and chewing on ice. Please do not use your teeth to open bottles or tear tape; They are meant only for chewing food, not for opening bottles or tearing objects.
• Visits to the dentist are a must. You may not feel anything wrong with your teeth but you are expected to visit your dentist at least every six months to have your teeth cleaned and checked. When dental problems are caught early by professionals like LiT Dental, they may be small and simple to correct. 

Why choose LiT Dental for Dental care in McKinney, TX?

At LiT Dental, we are dedicated to keeping your 28 or 32 teeth healthy and protected. Here’s why Texas families trust us:

• We accept all insurance plans, making dental services accessible to everyone.
• We provide a membership plan for patients without insurance to make the treatment affordable.
• Flexible payment plans through Cherry Payment Gateway, So you can get treatment now and pay later.
• Every treatment is performed by a licensed dentist, as certified by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, to ensure professional care.
• Comprehensive dental care solutions for the whole family in one place.

Keep in mind that by investing in your dental care, you will save yourself a lot of money in the future, as well as avoid pain and trouble. In most cases, Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment.

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Conclusion

There is no ideal number of teeth, so do not worry excessively about that. Just maintain the teeth that you have to the best of their condition. LiT Dental is ready to help you find professional and pain-free dental services that prioritise your comfort and health. Their skilled staff understands that each patient is an individual and they will design a dental care plan tailored to your needs, schedule, and budget. LiT Dental offers a full range of care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere including routine cleanings and more advanced treatments.