Our teeth are used each day whether we are chewing, speaking or posing for a photo. Simply feeling each tooth demonstrates that each one has a different shape and feeling. There is a reason for this; each type of tooth serves a different purpose. There are four types of teeth that make up the 32 most adults possess.

Incisors

The incisors make up the eight front teeth, four on top and four on bottom. These are the teeth humans use to take bites out of foods like apples and peaches. These flat teeth are typically the first to appear. The tops of these teeth are quite narrow, making them perfect for snapping off pieces of food.

Canines

The four sharpest teeth are the canines, typically used to tear food. These are the ‘fangs’ people might use to bite into a juicy steak. Running the tongue over the teeth offers an introduction as to just how sharp these teeth, also known as cuspids, are. These teeth are the longest and feature a single point and just one root.

Premolars

Bicuspids, also called premolars, are the teeth humans use to chew food after the few initial bites. Four premolars on each side of the mouth allow humans to grind up food before swallowing. These teeth are comparable to the canines, as they do often have a sharp point but the bottoms are shaped more like molars.

Molars

The molars, which serve the same purpose as the bicuspids, continue to tear up the food. These teeth are often used to grind up large pieces of food. Each adult usually has 12 of these teeth, which include the first molars, second molars and third molars, which are also known as wisdom teeth. These teeth get wider as they reach the back of the mouth.

Your teeth are very important to your digestion, speech and overall health. That is why it is best to take proper care of your oral health. Brush and floss daily, don’t smoke, eat healthy, and see your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups.

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