Why are baby teeth called that: the ancient Greeks know the answer

27.06.2024 15:27

Milk teeth "come into the world" at about six months of age.

During this period, babies often cry and try to bite everything, trying to relieve the itching and pain in their gums.

Typically, the two front teeth on the bottom appear first, followed shortly by the two front teeth on the top.

A person can have only 20 baby teeth: eight incisors, four canines and eight molars.

But why did the first teeth get this name?

Teeth
Photo: © Belnovosti

You will find the answer if you remember that this term – “baby teeth” – comes from the ancient Greek word “gala”, meaning “milk”.

According to this version, the teeth got their name because of their white color. There is another version - the teeth were called milk teeth because they begin to grow in children during the period of feeding with milk.

It is worth noting that in different languages, milk teeth may have different names. For example, in English they are called baby teeth, which translates as "children's teeth".

Earlier, BelNovosti wrote about how our guardian angel gives us signs.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources