We use them every day, and take good care of them, brushing and flossing at least twice a day. They’re one of the first things that we notice when we meet someone. Yes, we’re talking about teeth (and this shouldn’t surprise you, we are dentists, after all!). But have you ever thought about how well you know those pearly whites that are some important to your appearance and your health? Ever wonder why they’re the shape and size they are? Read on to learn all about types of teeth you’ll find in your mouth.
Types of Teeth in an Adult’s Mouth
Most people have 32 teeth in their mouths. (16 downstairs and 16 more, upstairs on the upper floor for any Dr. Seuss fans out there!)
There are four major types of teeth in your mouth. Here’s a chart showing the different types, where they are in your mouth, and how old you are when you get them.
Different Teeth Have Different Purposes
All teeth are not created equally, and that’s why your teeth are quite differently shaped from each other.
Here are what the four different types of teeth do:
- Incisors – Incisors are located at the front of the mouth and there are four on the top and four on the bottom. They’re sharp and thin and are used for biting into food. They also you pronounce different words when you speak.
- Canines – Canines (or cuspids, as some dentists call them) are the sharp pointy teeth in each corner of the front of your mouth, so you have four canines in total. Canines are also used for cutting food into smaller pieces when you bite it. The canines also help guide your jaw and teeth together when you close your teeth together.
- Premolars – Premolars (sometimes called bicuspids) aren’t as pointy as incisors or canines, but they have more contour than molars. They’re more shaped to mash food while you chew, getting the food ready for swallowing. You have two molars in each of the top, bottom, left and right of your smile, so eight in total.
- Molars – Molars are the mashers in your mouth. They’re the widest teeth that you have and – compared to the rest of your teeth – the flattest. Molars are for really pulverizing and mashing up the food you’re chewing. As you chew, the food gets mixed with saliva in your mouth, forming a mushy pulp and ready for swallowing. You have three molars in each corner of your mouth, so twelve in all.
Some people have more than 32 teeth – called supernumerary teeth – but that isn’t very common.
Now that you understand more about your teeth, we imagine you’re quite gung ho to take better care of them, right? Let us help! We offer a full range of dental services for the whole family, and with offices in Milton and Scarborough we aren’t far from home. Call our Milton office at (905) 636 – 9770 or our Scarborough office at (416) 291 – 0306 and book a no-fee consultation today!
