Tandsättning

Tandsättning, also known as dentition, refers to the arrangement, type, and number of teeth in an individual's mouth. It is a crucial aspect of oral health and plays a significant role in chewing, speaking, and facial structure. Humans typically go through two sets of teeth: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth.

Deciduous teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, are 20 in number and begin to erupt around six months of age. They are essential for proper chewing and holding space for the developing permanent teeth. These teeth are eventually shed to make way for the permanent set.

Permanent teeth, numbering 32 in a full set, begin to erupt around six years of age, replacing the deciduous teeth. This set includes incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, premolars for crushing, and molars for grinding food. Wisdom teeth, the last molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, though not everyone develops all four.

The study of tandsättning is important in various fields, including dentistry, orthodontics, and anthropology. Dentists monitor tandsättning to identify potential issues like malocclusion (improper bite) or missing teeth, which can be corrected with treatments such as braces or implants. Anthropologists use fossilized teeth to study the evolutionary history and diet of ancient hominins. Irregularities in tandsättning can impact speech clarity and significantly affect facial aesthetics.