Tooth vs. Teeth: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Tooth' refers to a single hard, enamel-coated structure in the jaw, while 'teeth' is the plural form, indicating more than one tooth.
Key Differences
Tooth represents a singular noun, describing one of the hard, bony structures in the jaws of vertebrates, used for biting and chewing. It is the individual unit within the dental structure. Teeth is the plural form of tooth, referring to a collection or set of these hard structures in the mouth. The shift from 'tooth' to 'teeth' signifies a change from singular to plural.
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Nov 30, 2023
In usage, when referring to a specific dental issue or characteristic, tooth is used. For example, discussing a cavity, one would say, "I have a cavity in my tooth." Teeth is used when the reference is to multiple or all of the dental structures, as in "You need to brush your teeth twice a day."
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The word tooth can also be used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions, such as "long in the tooth" for old age, or "tooth and nail" for vigorous struggle. Teeth, in its plural form, can similarly be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase "cut your teeth on," meaning to gain initial experience in a particular field.
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Tooth can denote a single entity in various contexts, not only in dentistry but also in machinery (like a gear tooth) or in comb-like structures (like a tooth of a comb). In contrast, teeth would refer to the collective set of these protrusions or structures in any of these contexts.
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Tooth as a singular term can be more specific, allowing for detailed description of shape, function, or condition, like a molar tooth or a chipped tooth. Teeth, when used, encompasses the entire set, which can be diverse in function and form, such as in "The dentist checked the health of my teeth."
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Sentences
Specific to one dental structure
Referring to multiple or all dental structures
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Metaphorical Use
Used in singular idiomatic expressions
Used in plural idiomatic expressions
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Contextual Application
Can refer to a single entity in various contexts
Refers to a set of these entities
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Specificity
Allows for detailed description of a single entity
Encompasses a collective set with diverse characteristics
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Tooth and Teeth Definitions
Tooth
A projection on a tool or machine, such as a gear tooth.
The gear's tooth was worn down, needing replacement.
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Teeth
Multiple projections or points, as in tools or natural structures.
The comb's teeth were spaced evenly for effective detangling.
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Tooth
A pointed, tooth-like projection in animals or objects.
The saw's tooth was sharp enough to cut through the wood easily.
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Teeth
The set of structures in the mouth that serve various functions like grinding.
He had his teeth checked and cleaned at the dentist.
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Tooth
One of the individual hard structures in the mouth.
She brushed each tooth carefully to avoid cavities.
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Teeth
A collective term for all the dental structures used for biting and chewing.
Brushing your teeth regularly is essential for oral hygiene.
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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.
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Teeth
A series of projections on an object, used in a mechanical or functional capacity.
The rake's teeth were sturdy enough to gather large piles of leaves.
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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.
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Teeth
The plural form of tooth, referring to the set of bony structures in the mouth.
Her teeth were brilliantly white and perfectly aligned.
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Tooth
A projecting part resembling a tooth in shape or function, as on a comb, gear, or saw.
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Tooth
A small, notched projection along a margin, especially of a leaf. Also called dent2.
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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.
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Tooth
Often teeth Something that injures or destroys with force
The teeth of the blizzard.
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Tooth
Teeth Effective means of enforcement; muscle
"This ... puts real teeth into something where there has been only lip service" (Ellen Convisser).
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Teeth
The kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
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Tooth
A hard, calcareous structure present in the mouth of many vertebrate animals, generally used for eating.
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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.
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Tooth
Of a rope, the stickiness when in contact with another rope as in a knot.
Jute has more tooth than polypropylene.
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Tooth
(zoology) A projection or point in other parts of the body resembling the tooth of a vertebrate animal.
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Tooth
(animation) The rough surface of some kinds of cel or other films that allows better adhesion of artwork.
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Tooth
(figurative) Liking, fondness (compare toothsome).
I have a sweet tooth: I love sugary treats.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Tooth
A projecting member resembling a tenon, but fitting into a mortise that is only sunk, not pierced through.
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Tooth
An angular or prominence on any edge; as, a tooth on the scale of a fish, or on a leaf of a plant
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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.
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Tooth
Hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
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Tooth
Toothlike structure in invertebrates found in the mouth or alimentary canal or on a shell
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Tooth
A hard, bony structure in the jaws of vertebrates, used for biting and chewing.
He had a gold crown placed on his tooth.
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Tooth
A small, pointed projection, as on a plant or animal.
The leaf's tooth was distinctive in its shape.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How many teeth does an adult human usually have?
An adult human usually has 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth.
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What is the hardest part of a tooth?
The hardest part of a tooth is the enamel, which covers the outside.
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Why do we have different types of teeth?
Different types of teeth (incisors, canines, molars) are specialized for various functions like cutting, tearing, and grinding food.
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What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is primarily caused by bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth, leading to cavities.
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What is the main function of a tooth?
The main function of a tooth is to aid in biting and chewing food.
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Can all animals' teeth grow continuously?
Not all, but some animals like rodents have teeth that grow continuously.
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Can teeth regenerate naturally?
Unlike some tissues, teeth cannot regenerate naturally once damaged.
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Is tooth sensitivity common?
Yes, tooth sensitivity is a common issue, often due to enamel wear or gum recession.
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How many sets of teeth do humans grow?
Humans typically grow two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth.
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Why do teeth become yellow?
Teeth can become yellow due to various factors, including diet, aging, and poor oral hygiene.
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How often should you brush your teeth?
It's recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
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What is a wisdom tooth?
A wisdom tooth is one of the last molars to emerge, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood.
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What is the role of fluoride for teeth?
Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
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What is the function of molars?
Molars function primarily to grind and crush food during chewing.
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Are baby teeth also called milk teeth?
Yes, baby teeth are often referred to as milk teeth.
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Can losing a tooth affect others?
Losing a tooth can affect other teeth, potentially leading to shifting or misalignment.
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Can teeth be straightened at any age?
Yes, teeth can be straightened at almost any age with proper orthodontic treatment.
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Can teeth affect speech?
Yes, teeth play a significant role in speech, affecting how we pronounce certain sounds.
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Are teeth considered bones?
Teeth are not bones, although they share some similar components, like calcium.
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What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that has failed to emerge properly, often due to lack of space.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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