Hampaiden

Hampaiden, in Finnish meaning “the teeth,” are the hard calcified structures in the jaws that enable biting, tearing, and grinding of food. In humans, the adult dentition typically consists of 32 permanent teeth, while children have 20 deciduous (baby) teeth that are gradually replaced by permanent teeth.

Anatomy: Each tooth has a crown, which is the portion visible in the mouth, and one or more roots anchored in the jawbone. The outer enamel protects the crown; underneath is dentin, and the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. The root is covered by cementum and attached to the jawbone by the periodontal ligament; the gums (gingiva) surround and protect the teeth.

Development: Deciduous teeth begin to emerge around six months of age, with most children having a full set by age three. Permanent teeth begin to erupt around age six and may continue into the early twenties, with the third molars (wisdom teeth) often appearing last.

Care and health: Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, limiting sugary foods and beverages, and regular dental check-ups, typically every six months. Fluoride applications and dental sealants can help prevent decay.

Diseases and treatment: The most common problems are dental caries (cavities) and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Treatments range from fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy to extractions and, when needed, dental implants or orthodontic work.