Teeth vs. Teethe — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Teeth" refers to the hard, calcified structures in the mouth used for chewing, while "teethe" is the verb describing the process of growing one's teeth, particularly in infants.
Difference Between Teeth and Teethe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Teeth are anatomical structures found in the jaws of many vertebrates, used primarily for biting and chewing food. Whereas, teethe is the action of developing teeth, typically seen in babies and young animals, a phase commonly known as teething.
Teeth play a crucial role in the digestive system by initiating the breakdown of food, an essential step in digestion. On the other hand, teethe involves the emergence of teeth through the gums, which can be a painful and discomforting process for infants.
Humans typically have two sets of teeth throughout their lives: primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Whereas, to teethe often refers specifically to the period when babies develop their primary set of teeth.
Teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp, each contributing to their strength and functionality. On the other hand, teethe does not refer to any physical structure but to the physiological process that involves these structures emerging.
Maintaining the health of one’s teeth involves regular dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Whereas, during the time infants teethe, parents often use specific products like teething rings or gels to help alleviate their child’s discomfort.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Hard, calcified structures for chewing
The process of growing teeth in infants
Role
Digestive system, aesthetics
Developmental stage in infants
Composition
Enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp
Not applicable; refers to a process
Relevance to Age
Throughout life; two sets of teeth
Mostly in infancy during primary teething phase
Associated Practices
Dental hygiene, orthodontics
Use of teething rings, gels to soothe gums
Compare with Definitions
Teeth
Structures used for gripping or holding something.
The gears' teeth interlocked perfectly, ensuring smooth operation.
Teethe
Refers to the process affecting infants and young animals.
The puppy will teethe for several months before all his teeth come in.
Teeth
"By the skin of one's teeth" means barely managing to do something.
He escaped the accident by the skin of his teeth.
Teethe
Often used in relation to infants' development stages.
Parents look for signs their child is teething to prepare for this developmental phase.
Teeth
To have teeth is to have effectiveness or force.
The new law had teeth, leading to stricter enforcement of regulations.
Teethe
To undergo the growth of teeth; to cut teeth.
The baby began to teethe at just four months old.
Teeth
The hard, whitish structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing.
Sharks constantly replace their teeth throughout their lives.
Teethe
To experience the discomfort associated with the growth of teeth.
The toddler was cranky and drooling as she was teething.
Teeth
To "show one's teeth" means to become aggressive or defensive.
The negotiation started friendly but soon the competitors showed their teeth.
Teethe
Can involve using specific aids or remedies to ease pain.
During her teething phase, they used a special gel to soothe her gums.
Teeth
Plural of tooth.
Teethe
Grow or cut milk teeth
My son is teething so some nights I barely sleep
Teeth
(informal) The ability to be enforced, or to be enforced to any useful effect.
The international community's sanctions against the regime had some teeth to them this time around.
Teethe
To have the teeth emerge from the gums. Used of small children.
Teeth
Dated spelling of teethe
Teethe
(intransitive) To grow teeth.
Babies typically start teething at about six months.
Teeth
To breed, or grow, teeth.
Teethe
(intransitive) To bite on something to relieve discomfort caused by growing teeth.
She'll teethe on anything that she can get into her mouth.
Teeth
The kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
Teethe
Grow teeth; cut the baby teeth;
The little one is teething now
Common Curiosities
Why is dental care important for teeth?
Proper care prevents decay, gum disease, and prolongs the health of teeth.
What is the primary function of teeth?
They are essential for chewing food and play a role in speech.
At what age do children typically begin to teethe?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age.
What are wisdom teeth?
These are the last set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
How many sets of teeth do humans have?
Two sets: primary teeth and permanent teeth.
Can teething affect a baby's eating habits?
Yes, infants might eat less and be more fussy with food during teething due to gum discomfort.
Can teething cause fever in babies?
Teething can sometimes cause a slight increase in temperature, but not a high fever.
What remedies are considered safe for teething infants?
Pediatricians often recommend chilled teething rings or massaging the gums.
How long does the teething process last?
Teething can last until the child is about three years old, as different teeth emerge at different times.
How can parents ease their child's teething pain?
Using teething rings, cold cloths, or approved pain relief gels can help.
How are teeth numbered in dental notation?
Teeth are typically numbered from the right of one jaw to the left of the same jaw, with the upper teeth numbers preceding the lower teeth numbers in most dental notations.
What is the difference between teething and dental eruption?
Teething refers specifically to the initial emergence of teeth in infants; dental eruption can refer to any subsequent emergence, such as with wisdom teeth.
Can adults experience any form of teething?
Adults can experience discomfort from the eruption of wisdom teeth, similar to teething.
Is there a genetic component to how and when teething occurs?
Yes, the timing and order of teething can be influenced by genetic factors.
What are the signs a baby is teething?
Common signs include drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, and sometimes a slight increase in temperature.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
