Hampaiston

Hampaiston is the Finnish term for the dentition, the arrangement of teeth within the jaws. The term covers both the primary (deciduous) dentition and the permanent dentition, as well as the two dental arches—the maxilla (upper) and the mandible (lower)—and their occlusion.

Structure and sequencing: The primary dentition consists of 20 teeth that typically emerge in early childhood and are eventually replaced by the permanent dentition, which normally comprises 32 teeth. The teeth are arranged in the upper and lower arches and fit together in an occlusion that supports chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics. Eruption and exfoliation occur along a developmental timetable that varies among individuals and populations.

Development and aging: Tooth development begins before birth and continues through childhood into adolescence. Teeth form from enamel, dentin, and supporting tissues, with the eruption pattern linked to jaw growth. With age, the hampaisto can be affected by wear, caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Restorative, preventive, and rehabilitative treatments address these changes, and in adults implants may be used to replace missing teeth, though implants are not part of the natural dentition.

Clinical relevance: In dentistry, monitoring hampaiston is central to pediatric care, orthodontics, and restorative work. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and early management of misalignment or decay helps preserve function, health, and aesthetics of the dentition throughout life.