Types of Teeth: Incisors, Canines, Premolars and Molars
![teeth El Centro, CA](https://www.drkhorsand.com/wp-content/uploads/teeth-120.jpg)
You have probably noticed that certain teeth have a different shape than others, but have you ever wondered what the purpose is for the different types of teeth?
Teeth are much more than an aesthetic property; they serve a very important role in our ability to function normally on a day-to-day basis.
Different types of teeth
All of our teeth serve an important role, and it is crucial to take proper care of them in order to chew, bite and tear in a normal manner.
There are four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
Incisors
The incisors are the most visible teeth in the human mouth, as they are the group of teeth in the very front. In total, each person has eight incisors: four on the bottom row and four on the top row.
While incisors may seem insignificant and only there to aid in appearance, they are just as important as every other type of teeth in the mouth. Incisors' main functions include biting into food and helping to pronounce words. In addition, incisors also help support the lip as well.
Canines
Canines are the four sharper, pointed teeth on each side of the incisors. Canines are very similar to incisors in that they also help with biting and tearing food.
Additionally, canines help guide the mouth closed when the upper and lower jaw come together. Without canines, eating harder foods, such as meat and hard fruits and vegetables, becomes much more challenging.
Canines generally come through around the age of nine or ten years of age, and the lower canines usually come through before the upper canines.
Premolars
Premolars, or bicuspids, are located behind the canines and in front of the molars. There are a total of eight premolars, with four being located on the bottom row of teeth and four located on the top row of teeth.
Premolars' main purpose is to chew and crush food, and they are sometimes used for tearing as well. Additionally, premolars help keep the shape of the face, and the absence of premolars can lead to a change in one’s appearance.
Premolars are typically very strong and are capable of enduring a large amount of pressure.
Molars
There are also eight molars (four on the bottom and upper row of teeth). Molars are very strong and are located in the farthest back part of the mouth. The main purpose of molars is to chew and crush food, and they are essential to eating in a normal manner.
Third molars, otherwise known as wisdom teeth, are also considered to be molars, although many separate wisdom teeth into their own category.
Since molars are exposed to much more jaw pressure than other teeth, it is important to protect them properly by practicing good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard at night if grinding teeth while asleep is a problem.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drkhorsand.com or call Khorsand Dental Group at (760) 394-3082 for an appointment in our El Centro office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
A skilled cosmetic dentist can take a smile that you are not confident in and transform it into something radiant. Whether you are self-conscious about the shade of your teeth or how they sit in your mouth, know that you do not have to live with blemishes and imperfections forever. A cosmetic dentist can help…
Implant dentistry offers durable and natural-looking solutions for tooth loss. Read on to learn more about dental implant restorations. These titanium-based prosthetic tooth roots are implanted directly into the jawbone to offer a solid link to a dental prosthesis, such as crowns or a dental bridge. Dental implants can only be placed successfully if the…
Dental bridges can be supported by adjacent natural teeth (traditional fixed bridges) or by dental implants (implant dentistry bridges) on each side of the restoration. It is helpful to understand the differences with each option before making a final decision as to which of the two popular teeth replacement solutions is right for you. Implant…
You may be a good candidate for an implant dentistry procedure if you are missing one or more teeth and desire the highest quality (and most natural) restoration possible. This review discusses what an implant dentist looks at when determining if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure.Ideally, implant dentistry patients should have…