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.
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.
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 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, 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.
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.drtimhubbs.com or call Vineyard Hills Dental Care at (925) 233-1143 for an appointment in our Livermore office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A general dentist is someone who helps individuals maintain a healthy oral cavity, and that includes performing root canal therapy as needed. Root canals are a procedure that often strikes anxiety in individuals because it was once said to be painful; however, that is actually far from true! Modern-day dentistry has allowed for quite the…
Are you thinking about getting dental sealants? While this preventive dental treatment is commonly used on children's teeth to prevent the formation of cavities, it can also protect adults' teeth. According to WebMD, dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually the back teeth, to prevent tooth decay.Understanding…
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure to remove impacted teeth, address severe damage or decay, or prepare for orthodontic treatment. They can be done in a single appointment and do not take too long to heal from – especially with proper aftercare. Patients can follow a few key aftercare tips to help streamline their…
A dental sealant is a thin coating of composite resin that protects your teeth from decay. It is applied to the pits and grooves of your teeth’s biting surfaces, preventing bacteria, food particles, and acids from getting into them.Dentists are more likely to recommend dental sealant for teeth in the back of the mouth like…
A general dentist is someone who helps individuals maintain a healthy oral cavity, and that includes performing root canal therapy as needed. Root canals are a procedure that often strikes anxiety in individuals because it was once said to be painful; however, that is actually far from true! Modern-day dentistry has allowed for quite the…
Are you thinking about getting dental sealants? While this preventive dental treatment is commonly used on children's teeth to prevent the formation of cavities, it can also protect adults' teeth. According to WebMD, dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually the back teeth, to prevent tooth decay.Understanding…