Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: sarah on 22/06/2008 19:55:33

Title: Why do humans have two sets of teeth?
Post by: sarah on 22/06/2008 19:55:33

sarah urquhart  asked the Naked Scientists:
 
We were just wondering - Why do humans get 2 sets of teeth?

Sarah
What do you think?

Title: Why do humans have two sets of teeth?
Post by: Bored chemist on 23/06/2008 19:38:05

I think the simple answer is that they have a little set for when they are little and a bigger set for when they are bigger.
Another question is why only 2 sets?
replacing them regularly might be useful for when they get damaged.

Title: Why do humans have two sets of teeth?
Post by: lyner on 23/06/2008 19:47:53

Sharks do it!
Rodents have 'open roots' in their incisor teeth so they keep growing and growing to keep up with the wear. I often think that could be useful too. But, as we're only designed to live to about thirty, the second lot only have to last twice as long as some of the first lot.

Title: Why do humans have two sets of teeth?
Post by: iko on 23/06/2008 21:31:00

Quote from: sophiecentaur on 23/06/2008 19:47:53

Sharks do it!
Rodents have 'open roots' in their incisor teeth so they keep growing and growing to keep up with the wear. I often think that could be useful too. But, as we're only designed to live to about thirty, the second lot only have to last twice as long as some of the first lot.

Right sophiecentaur,

at the beginning of the last century, average survival was 35 years.
At least in my country.

Title: Why do humans have two sets of teeth?
Post by: Alan McDougall on 25/06/2008 21:28:13

Because this is the way it is, but man!!/girl!! we should have been given three sets by the big guy, really