Gebiss

Gebiss, the German term for the dentition, denotes the set of teeth in the mouth. In humans it develops in two stages: the deciduous (baby) dentition, and the permanent dentition that replaces it. The term can also refer generally to the arrangement of teeth in an individual’s jaws.

Deciduous dentition: consists of 20 teeth, arranged as 5 per quadrant (2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 molars). They erupt from around 6 months to 2–3 years and are eventually shed to make way for the permanent teeth. Permanent dentition: consists of 32 teeth, arranged as 8 per quadrant (2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars). Eruption typically begins around age 6 and continues into the late teens; third molars, or wisdom teeth, may be absent or impacted.

Anatomy and function: Teeth are mineralized structures with enamel on the crown, dentin beneath, a pulp chamber, and cementum anchoring the root to the supporting bone via the periodontal ligament. They are held in the jaws within the dental arches, the maxillary and mandibular arches, and work together for biting, chewing, and speech.

Health and care: The dentition is susceptible to caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease. Protection relies on oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, a balanced diet, and regular dental examinations. Malocclusion, tooth wear, and trauma can affect function and aesthetics, sometimes requiring orthodontic or restorative treatment.