Tooth vs. Teeth: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 11, 2023
"Tooth" is singular, referring to one of the hard, calcified structures in the jaw. "Teeth" is plural, referring to multiple such structures.
Key Differences
"Tooth" refers to a single calcified structure found in the jaws of many vertebrates, used for breaking down food. On the other hand, "Teeth" denotes the plural, indicating more than one of these structures, which collectively play a critical role in digestion and speech.
Each "Tooth" has a specific function, like incisors for cutting, and canines for tearing. However, "Teeth" together work in coordination for efficient processing of food, enabling proper chewing, which is essential for digestion.
A "Tooth" comprises several parts, including the crown, root, and enamel, each integral to its function and health. In contrast, "Teeth" require collective maintenance, as their overall health can impact an individual's oral and general health.
Losing a "Tooth" can affect one's chewing ability, speech, and jaw structure. Losing multiple "Teeth," however, has more severe consequences, potentially altering facial structure, and necessitating prosthetic replacements for functionality.
Both "Tooth" and "Teeth" are subjects of dental science. While a dentist may treat a single "Tooth" for a cavity, broader services like cleaning or orthodontics involve caring for all "Teeth," underscoring the holistic approach needed for dental health.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Singular
Plural
Function
Specific role (e.g., cutting)
Collective roles in digestion
Maintenance
Individual treatment possible
Requires comprehensive care
Health Impact
Affects local area
Affects overall oral health
Dental Services
Targeted procedures possible
Broad services often necessary
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Tooth and Teeth Definitions
Tooth
A Tooth represents a single unit in the set of dental structures;
The lost Tooth left a noticeable gap in his smile.
Teeth
Teeth are the collective hard structures used for chewing;
Her Teeth glistened after the cleaning.
Tooth
A Tooth can decay if not maintained properly;
The neglected Tooth eventually needed extraction.
Teeth
Together, Teeth perform various functions like chewing and speaking;
Straight Teeth contributed to her confident smile.
Tooth
A missing Tooth can be replaced with implants or bridges;
He got an implant for his missing Tooth.
Teeth
Teeth can suffer from widespread issues like gum disease;
Neglecting his Teeth led to periodontal issues.
Tooth
One of a set of hard, bonelike structures in the mouths of vertebrates, usually attached to the jaw or rooted in sockets and typically composed of a core of soft pulp surrounded by a layer of hard dentin that is coated with cementum or enamel at the crown and used for biting or chewing food or as a means of attack or defense.
Teeth
Teeth refer to all individual units in the mouth;
He brushed his Teeth twice daily.
Tooth
A similar hard projection in an invertebrate, such as one of a set of projections on the hinge of a bivalve or on the radula of a snail.
Teeth
Misaligned Teeth can be corrected with braces;
She wore braces to straighten her Teeth.
Tooth
A projecting part resembling a tooth in shape or function, as on a comb, gear, or saw.
Teeth
Plural of tooth.
Tooth
A small, notched projection along a margin, especially of a leaf. Also called dent2.
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.
Tooth
A rough surface, as of paper or metal.
Teeth
Dated spelling of teethe
Tooth
Often teeth Something that injures or destroys with force
The teeth of the blizzard.
Teeth
To breed, or grow, teeth.
Tooth
Teeth Effective means of enforcement; muscle
"This ... puts real teeth into something where there has been only lip service" (Ellen Convisser).
Teeth
The kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
Tooth
To furnish (a tool, for example) with teeth.
Tooth
To make a jagged edge on.
Tooth
To become interlocked; mesh.
Tooth
A hard, calcareous structure present in the mouth of many vertebrate animals, generally used for eating.
Tooth
A sharp projection on the blade of a saw or similar implement.
Tooth
A projection on the edge of a gear that meshes with similar projections on adjacent gears, or on the circumference of a cog that engages with a chain.
Tooth
Of a rope, the stickiness when in contact with another rope as in a knot.
Jute has more tooth than polypropylene.
Tooth
(zoology) A projection or point in other parts of the body resembling the tooth of a vertebrate animal.
Tooth
(botany) A pointed projection from the margin of a leaf.
Tooth
(animation) The rough surface of some kinds of cel or other films that allows better adhesion of artwork.
Tooth
(figurative) Liking, fondness (compare toothsome).
I have a sweet tooth: I love sugary treats.
Tooth
(algebraic geometry) An irreducible component of a comb that intersects the handle in exactly one point, that point being distinct from the unique point of intersection for any other tooth of the comb.
Tooth
To provide or furnish with teeth.
Tooth
To indent; to jag.
To tooth a saw
Tooth
To lock into each other, like gear wheels.
Tooth
One of the hard, bony appendages which are borne on the jaws, or on other bones in the walls of the mouth or pharynx of most vertebrates, and which usually aid in the prehension and mastication of food.
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it isTo have a thankless child!
Tooth
Fig.: Taste; palate.
These are not dishes for thy dainty tooth.
Tooth
Any projection corresponding to the tooth of an animal, in shape, position, or office; as, the teeth, or cogs, of a cogwheel; a tooth, prong, or tine, of a fork; a tooth, or the teeth, of a rake, a saw, a file, a card.
Tooth
A projecting member resembling a tenon, but fitting into a mortise that is only sunk, not pierced through.
Tooth
An angular or prominence on any edge; as, a tooth on the scale of a fish, or on a leaf of a plant
Tooth
Any hard calcareous or chitinous organ found in the mouth of various invertebrates and used in feeding or procuring food; as, the teeth of a mollusk or a starfish.
Tooth
To furnish with teeth.
The twin cards toothed with glittering wire.
Tooth
To indent; to jag; as, to tooth a saw.
Tooth
Hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
Tooth
Something resembling the tooth of an animal
Tooth
Toothlike structure in invertebrates found in the mouth or alimentary canal or on a shell
Tooth
A means of enforcement;
The treaty had no teeth in it
Tooth
One of a number of uniform projections on a gear
Tooth
A Tooth is a hard, calcified structure in the jaw used for chewing;
She had a cavity in one Tooth that required a filling.
Tooth
Each Tooth has a form and function, like cutting or grinding;
The broken Tooth impaired her ability to chew properly.
FAQs
How many roots does a Tooth have?
It varies; incisors generally have one, premolars have one or two, and molars can have up to four.
Why do Teeth turn yellow?
This can be due to diet, aging, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.
What are wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom Teeth are the third set of molars that usually emerge in late adolescence.
Is Tooth extraction painful?
Modern anesthetics make it a mostly painless procedure, though some discomfort is normal afterward.
How are Teeth numbered?
Dentists use a universal numbering system, assigning each Tooth a unique number.
How often should a Tooth be brushed?
Dentists recommend brushing your Teeth at least twice a day.
Can Teeth regrow?
No, once adult Teeth are lost, they don't regrow.
What causes sensitive Teeth?
Enamel erosion or gum recession can expose nerve endings, causing sensitivity.
Can a Tooth repair itself?
Unlike bones, a Tooth cannot regenerate, but early decay can be halted or reversed with fluoride.
Can a cracked Tooth heal?
No, but treatment options like crowns can prevent further damage or discomfort.
Why do Teeth need to be aligned?
Proper alignment ensures effective chewing, easier cleaning, and a balanced smile.
Are Teeth bones?
No, they're similar but have different compositions and structures.
What's the hardest part of a Tooth?
The enamel, which is the Tooth's outermost layer.
Can Teeth affect your health?
Yes, poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.
What's inside a Tooth?
A Tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue in a space called the pulp chamber.
Why are Teeth important?
They're crucial for chewing food, speech, and overall structure of the mouth and face.
What is a baby Tooth called?
It's commonly referred to as a primary or deciduous Tooth.
What is a Tooth crown?
It's a cap placed over a damaged Tooth to restore its shape, size, and function.
Can Teeth be whitened?
Yes, through procedures like bleaching, Teeth can be whitened.
What causes a Tooth to decay?
Decay is caused by bacteria breaking down sugars on the Tooth's surface, producing acid that erodes enamel.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
