Types of Human Teeth

The human mouth contains four different types of teeth. Each type aids in the digestion process by chewing and grinding the food. Easy identification of the teeth can be accomplished by comparing size, shape, and location.

Incisors

• Incisors, located at the front of the mouth, function to cut off pieces of food. These teeth appear flat and come to a flat point, similar to a wedge. The top row and bottom row of teeth contain four incisors each.

Canines

• Directly next to the incisors lie the canines, also known as the cuspids. Canines can be identified by their long point. Humans have four canines..

Premolars

• The premolars function to cut and grind food. Centrally located between the canines and molars, they process a variety of food groups. Eight premolars reside in the adult mouth.

Molars

• The teeth located in the very back of the mouth are called molars. Adults should have a total of twelve molars, three in each quadrant of the mouth. These broad, flat teeth grow in stages. Traditionally the first two sets are known as six and twelve year molars. The last set are called wisdom teeth.

Removal

• Many adults choose to have their wisdom teeth removed for various reasons. The mouth may be too crowded to support more teeth. During growth of the wisdom teeth, many people experience jaw pain and headaches.