Your mouth is made up of four different types of teeth, each with their own purpose and design. But which teeth are which, and why are they designed in such a way? We take a closer look at the types of teeth you have in your mouth in today’s blog.
Incisors
Your incisions are the eight teeth that make up the front of your mouth. They are your two front teeth on the top, the neighboring teeth to those, and then the four middle teeth on the bottom of your mouth. They help you bite and chew, but they also play an important role in helping you speak. Incisors also help provide support to other facial structures.
Canines
Canines are the next group of teeth, and they may be best described as your vampire teeth. They are the pointed teeth next to your outside incisors on the top and bottom of your mouth. A normal adult has four canines, two on the top and two on the bottom. The primary purpose of these teeth are to cut or sheer food, but they also provide stability for the lips.
Premolars
Premolars, also referred to as bicuspids, are the group of teeth on the outside of your canines. They have a flattened top and are used to chew food. They also provide help maintain the height of your face. You should have eight premolars, with two on each side of the top of your mouth, and two on each side of the bottom of your mouth, beginning to the outside of the canine.
Molars
Finally, the final type of tooth we have in our mouth is molars. These are your biggest, widest and flattest teeth, and you have 12 of them in your mouth. Or, if you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you may only have 10 or eight molars remaining. They help to chew your food, but cleaning them can be a little difficult since they are at the back of your mouth. Make sure you’re hitting these teeth when you’re brushing.
Extra Teeth
Most people don’t have any extra teeth, also known as supernumerary teeth, but there’s a chance that you have an extra incisor or molar tooth in your mouth. Depending on when it is identified, it may be removed, especially if its presence could affect the healthy growth of your adult teeth. Also, about 1 in 2,500 babies are born with small natal teeth, but because their roots are weak or non-existent, they are usually removed so they aren’t accidentally inhaled.
No matter how many teeth you have, be sure you’re caring for them by brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly. For more information about your teeth, or to set up an appointment with Dr. Brooks, reach out to his office today.