14 DAY TRIAL // When we're about 6 months old, we humans grow a cute-looking set of teeny tiny chompers we like to refer to as our baby teeth. These teeth stick around until we're about 5 or 6, after which they simply fall off and are replaced by our permanent ones.
Because we go through these two sets of chompers during our lifetime, we humans, together with plenty of other species, are labeled diphyodonts. Well, in case you were wondering why we grow baby teeth to begin with, look no further than the video below for your answer.
As it turns out, the very simple explanation for the fact that we and other species of mammals are diphyodonts is that, when we are kids, our jaws are too small to accommodate for a full set of strong chompers ready to bite through and chew the most delicious of steaks.
Hence, we grow baby teeth instead. As we get older and our jaws begin to widen, this first set of teeth bids us farewell and our adult, permanent one sets up camp in our mouth. Precisely because this second set is our final one, it's important to do our best to look after it.
Interestingly enough, some animal species can grow new chompers several times in their life. For instance, elephants sometimes go through about half a dozen sets. Great white sharks, on the other hand, can replace their teeth countless times.
