Wonderful, Amazing Teeth!

We use our teeth every day to chew food, to help us shape our sounds, and to express emotions to others.

At Comprehensive Dental Specialists, we know that dentition, having teeth or teeth-like structures, is a characteristic of nearly all vertebrates, animals with a backbone and a skeleton. Our teeth trace back to some of the earliest biological evolutions in the animal kingdom! However, Dr. Jabri and Dr. Aljabi know that human teeth have developed in some unique ways that help us understand how to best care for them.

Some animals, most famously sharks, have rows of teeth that are continuously replaced throughout life. Other animals like voles have a single set of teeth that are consistently regenerating cells to maintain their integrity. However, most mammals are diphyodonts, meaning they have two sets of teeth throughout life, typically called baby teeth and permanent teeth. Humans are diphyodonts.

Research traces this two-stage tooth development to the early milk diet of most mammals. Because modern humans eat a much softer diet early in life, our jaw and teeth don’t get a strenuous workout chewing tough foods. Our jaws and teeth now develop for less arduous work, even though they evolved for harsher use. Because of this dietary and biological shift, a lot of humans now need braces or orthodontia because their jaws don’t grow long enough to fit all their teeth.

Humans have developed three different forms of teeth: incisors, molars, and cuspids. We have incisors and cuspids for grabbing a tearing food. We have molars for grinding and chewing. When we bite or chew, our teeth grow stronger.

We do need to be particularly careful about using our teeth for what they were designed. Humans who use their teeth for other purposes can potentially develop teeth less suited to chewing. While you might be able to open a plastic package with your teeth, doing so regularly will impact how your teeth grow and develop.

While we can provide professional and exceptional tooth restoration, it’s always better to take excellent care of your own teeth to preserve them as long as possible. Remember, that second set of teeth is the last set you’ll have.

When you have questions about your teeth, just call Comprehensive Dental Specialists at 815-744-1774 or email cdsofjoliet@gmail.com. We are always happy to help!