Tooths

Tooths is not a standard term in modern English. The correct plural of tooth is teeth. The spelling "tooths" may occur in certain dialect writings, historical texts, or as a playful or fictional name. In general usage, "tooths" is considered nonstandard; most scientific and educational writing uses "tooth" and "teeth."

A tooth is a hard, mineralized structure embedded in the jaws of most vertebrates. In mammals, a tooth consists of a crown above the gum line and one or more roots below. The outer enamel is the hardest substance in the body, protecting the underlying dentin and pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

Mammalian dentition is categorized into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Children typically develop 20 deciduous teeth, which are gradually replaced by 32 permanent teeth. Teeth emerge through the gums in a process called eruption, and proper alignment and spacing are important for efficient chewing and oral health.

In paleontology and archaeology, teeth are often well preserved and used to infer diet, growth patterns, and species relationships. Dental wear, enamel thickness, and tooth shape can indicate whether an animal was a predator, herbivore, or omnivore, and can help differentiate related species.

Dental health practices, such as brushing, fluoride use, and regular dental checkups, aim to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Loss of teeth affects nutrition and quality of life, and modern dentistry offers restorative options, implants, and orthodontic treatment.