Dentition facts for kids
Dentition is all about your teeth! It's how your teeth grow and where they are in your mouth.
Most mammals, like humans, have different kinds of teeth. We have incisors (for biting), canines (for tearing), premolars, and molars (for grinding). Animals with different types of teeth are called "heterodont". If an animal has teeth that are all the same, it's called "homodont".
Teeth Through Life
Did you know that mammals, including humans, get two sets of teeth? When we are young, we have primary teeth, also known as "milk teeth." These teeth are temporary and fall out after a few years.
After the milk teeth fall out, our adult teeth start to grow in. Animals that have both milk teeth and adult teeth are called diphyodont. This means they get two sets of teeth in their lifetime.
Teeth and History
Dentition is very useful in archaeology, which is the study of human history through digging up old things. Scientists can learn a lot about ancient humans by looking at their teeth.
For example, teeth can help us understand how people moved around the world long ago. The enamel on teeth contains tiny amounts of trace elements. These elements are like clues that show where a person lived and what they ate when their teeth were growing.
See also
In Spanish: Dentición para niños
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