Zuby

Zuby, in proper Polish orthography zęby, are the collective term for teeth in the mouth of humans and other mammals. They are hard, calcified structures that enable biting, chewing and breaking down food, and they also contribute to speech and facial aesthetics. In humans there are two dentitions over a lifetime: primary (milk) teeth and permanent teeth.

The permanent dentition typically includes 32 teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 12 molars. The primary dentition consists of 20 teeth, distributed as incisors, canines and molars, and is eventually replaced by the permanent set. Teeth are organized into crowns, roots and supporting structures. The outer enamel protects the tooth, underlying dentin forms most of the tooth substance, and the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Cementum anchors the tooth to the jaw via the periodontal ligament, which attaches to the alveolar bone.

Teeth are classified by function and position: incisors cut food, canines tear it, premolars and molars grind and crush. In Polish terminology, they are referred to as siekacze (incisors), kły (canines), przedtrzonowce (premolars) and trzonowce (molars).

Development and care: teeth begin to erupt in infancy, with primary teeth appearing roughly between six months and two years. Permanent teeth typically emerge from around age six, continuing into the late teens or early twenties for wisdom teeth. Good oral hygiene—brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugary foods, and regular dental checkups—helps prevent dental caries and gum disease.

In everyday language, zęby describe the teeth in the mouth, while medical and dental contexts use more specific terms for tooth types and structures.