Four Different Types Of Teeth Shape, Names, And Functions

Have you ever wondered about teeth names?

Your teeth do much more than give you a pretty smile. They help you cut and chew even the toughest of your favorite foods, aid in swallowing and digesting, and help you speak. Teeth are the hardest substance in your body; they are made from calcium, phosphorus, and protein collagen and contain calcified tissue called dentin. A hard coating of enamel protects the dentin layer. Here’s an overview of your amazing teeth and their names!

Incisors – The Cutting Teeth

Incisors are the front teeth that come out every time you smile. Each person has eight incisors: four on the bottom and four on the top jaw. They’re the first teeth type to erupt in childhood, and give kids those great goofy grins.

While incisors are what we see when you flash that dazzling smile, they serve another essential function. Incisors are chisel-shaped teeth; they help you bite into food. Additionally, incisors help hold up the lip to help you pronounce words correctly.

Canines – The Tearing Teeth

The sharpest of the four teeth types are the canines. Canines have two other teeth names: cuspids or corner teeth. These pointy teeth erupt on each side of the incisors. We have two canines on the top jaw and two on the bottom, on either side of the incisors.

Canines help you rip and tear food, and when the upper and lower jaws come together, canines help your mouth close correctly. Eating hard foods like meat, dense fruits, and veggies would be difficult without these teeth types.

Premolars – The Crushing Teeth

Premolars, or bicuspids, help you crush and chew food. Sometimes they’re also used to help tear at food. Adults usually have eight premolars located between the canines and molars.

Premolars are tough and can tolerate immense pressure. Their head is a flat surface with ridges to grind food into tiny pieces you can easily swallow. Premolars also help maintain the shape of your face.

Molars – The Grinding Teeth

Molars are the largest teeth type, and are used to grind food before swallowing, improving digestion. Adults have 12 molars, four of which are the wisdom teeth.

Molars endure more jaw pressure than any other teeth, so it’s essential to take care of them with proper oral care. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard while sleeping to save your molars from wear and tear.

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. Not every adult has sufficient space in their mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Due to this, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gums because of a lack of room.

A dentist may need to extract wisdom teeth if a person has tooth decay, pain, or an infection.

Why Knowing the Names of Teeth Matters

So why’s it so important to know the different teeth names? Understanding the location and function of different teeth types improves communication with your dentist so you can take better care of your pearly whites. You’re blessed with 32 permanent teeth. Knowing a little about them, coupled with proper dental care and visiting the dentist for professional cleanings every six months, helps your beautiful smile last a lifetime!

Schedule an appointment with Rodeo Dental today!