The 4 Types of Teeth

Did you know that most adults have 32 permanent teeth? But, they are not all the same! In fact, there are four distinct types of teeth with very different purposes. It’s important to keep all of your teeth healthy with proper preventative dental care so that your mouth can function properly. You need teeth to speak, eat, talk, give your face shape, and of course, smile!

Let’s break it down:

Incisors are your front teeth – four on top and four on bottom. These eight teeth are the pearly whites that show when you smile. They are sharp with a flat bottom to help you bite into food and are also known as anterior teeth.

Canines are the longest teeth people have in their mouths. They sit next to your incisors and have sharp points to help tear through food. They look a little like fangs, hence their common name, but are also known as cuspids or eyeteeth. We all have four canines; permanent ones usually appear between ages 9 and 12 with the lower ones cutting in first.

Premolars are only found in adults. Also called bicuspids, these teeth sit beside the canines and have ridges along the bottom that grind up food. Premolars typically begin to push through the gums when children are between10 and 12 years old. Most adults have eight premolar teeth.

Molars are the large teeth found in the back of your mouth. Their large flat surface area is very important for chewing. Adults typically have 12 permanent molars; the well-known wisdom teeth are a type of molar and may have to be removed if they trapped beneath the gum. Even wisdom teeth that do erupt properly may need to be pulled because they are so far back in the mouth and easily develop cavities.

All of your teeth are important, no matter their name or function, so be good to them! Proper oral hygiene is simple when you follow daily best practices:

·      Brush at least twice per day

·      Floss once a day (preferably at night)

·      Use a fluoride toothpaste

·      Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water

Visiting your dentist at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee twice per year is also a key part of every preventative care plan. If you are due fora visit or are a new patient, schedule an appointment online or call us at 770-945-5850.Our caring team of dentists and hygienists looks forward to taking care of your incisors, canines, premolars and molars.

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