Types of Teeth Names with Diagram and Functions
Teeth are structures made up of calcium and certain proteins and are one of the strongest parts of our body. These are mainly used for tearing, chewing, and grinding of the food that we eat. It also is needed for speaking clearly. Teeth appear in two sets in humans.
The first set that appears is known as milk teeth and is only 20 in number. These teeth start to appear in a child post 6 months of birth and all of them appear till age 3.These teeth get loose and then fall off after age 6 and are replaced by new permanent teeth. Permanent teeth as the name suggests stay for a lifetime.
Types of Teeth
A healthy adult is known to have a total of 32 teeth. There are a total of 8 incisors, i.e. 4 incisors in the upper jaw and 4 incisors in the lower jaw. There are 4 canines, i.e. 2 canines in the upper jaw and 2 in the lower jaw. There are 8 premolars, i.e. 4 premolars in the upper jaw and 4 in the lower jaw. And finally, there are 12 molars, i.e. 6 molars in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower jaw.
Arrangement of Teeth in a Jaw
Incisors
There are a total of eight incisor teeth and all of them are in the frontal part of the mouth. These teeth are small chisel-like. The ends are very sharp and are used to take a bite of the food.
When we bite a fresh apple or guava the marks formed on the fruit are of our incisors as it cuts out a portion of the fruit and thus we chew it with the rest. These are the first teeth that appear in kids at about 6 months of age. Adult incisors are known to appear between the age of 6 and 8.
Canines
The canines are seen placed next to the incisors on the upper and lower jaw.
There are two canines on the upper jaw on either side of the incisors and two on the lower jaw on either side of the incisors.
These are very sharp, pointed in shape and are mainly used for tearing the food.
These are mostly used while biting meat and any other rough and hard food item.
The canines start to appear in a baby at about 16 months and 20 months of age.
The canines on the upper jaw appear first and thereafter the lower jaw canines.
The canines in adults appear in the opposite manner.
It begins with the lower canines and the lower canine appears at age 9 and thereafter the upper canines appear at around the age of 11 or 12.
Premolar
There are a total of eight premolars present right beside the canines. There are a total of four premolars on the upper jaw and four premolars on the lower jaw. Premolars are large rectangular teeth and are larger than the canines and incisors.
They are mostly flat with ridges on the upper surface used for crushing and grinding the food and converting them into fine small pieces and that makes it easier for us to swallow. Babies do not have any premolars, their molars are replaced with a set of premolars when they grow a little old.
Molars
These are known to be the biggest and strongest teeth in our jaws.
We have a total of six on the upper jaw and three on either end of the jaw.
And six on the lower jaw and 3 each at either end of the jaw.
The large surface area is used for the grinding of the food.
As we take a bite and begin chewing, the tongue pushes food towards these molars for proper grinding. This grinding makes the food fine and particles small enough for ease of swallowing.
Summary
An adult human being has 32 teeth in mouth. In childhood, all humans have milk teeth then these milk teeth get replaced by permanent teeth. Between the age of 17 to 25 wisdom teeth appear absolutely at last. The enamel of the teeth is the toughest part of the entire body and it can be much harder than the bones. The one third of the teeth are mostly under the gums and that is why they are so solid.
Primary Teeth and the Permanent Teeth Set
FAQs on Teeth Names and Their Functions in Humans
1. What are the names of the different types of teeth?
The four main types of human teeth are incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth has a specific name and function in the mouth.
- Incisors – front teeth used for cutting food
- Canines – pointed teeth used for tearing food
- Premolars – teeth between canines and molars used for crushing
- Molars – large back teeth used for grinding food
These teeth names are commonly taught in basic dental anatomy and biology.
2. What are incisors and what do they do?
Incisors are the flat, front teeth used primarily for cutting and biting food. Humans typically have eight incisors in total.
- Four on the upper jaw
- Four on the lower jaw
- They have sharp, thin edges
Incisors are the most visible teeth when you smile and are essential for pronunciation and appearance.
3. What are canine teeth and why are they important?
Canine teeth are pointed teeth located next to the incisors and are used for tearing food. Adults usually have four canines.
- Two in the upper jaw
- Two in the lower jaw
- Also called cuspids
Canines are important because they guide the alignment of other teeth and help maintain the structure of the bite.
4. What is the difference between premolars and molars?
The main difference between premolars and molars is their size and function, with molars being larger and used for heavier grinding. Both help chew and crush food.
- Premolars – smaller, usually have two cusps, used for crushing
- Molars – larger, have multiple cusps, used for grinding
Adults typically have eight premolars and up to twelve molars, including wisdom teeth.
5. What are wisdom teeth called in dental terms?
Wisdom teeth are called third molars in dental terminology. They are the last set of molars to develop.
- Usually appear between ages 17 and 25
- Located at the very back of the mouth
- Not everyone develops all four
Third molars may need removal if they cause crowding or pain.
6. How many teeth do adults have and what are their names?
Most adults have 32 permanent teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. These teeth are evenly divided between the upper and lower jaws.
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 premolars
- 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth)
This complete set is known as the permanent or adult dentition.
7. What are baby teeth called?
Baby teeth are called primary teeth or deciduous teeth. They are the first set of teeth that children develop.
- Children usually have 20 primary teeth
- They begin to appear around 6 months of age
- They fall out between ages 6 and 12
Primary teeth help with chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into place.
8. What are the parts of a tooth called?
The main parts of a tooth are the crown, neck, and root. Each part has a specific role in structure and function.
- Crown – visible part above the gum line
- Neck – area between crown and root
- Root – part embedded in the jawbone
Inside the tooth are layers such as enamel, dentin, and pulp, which protect and nourish the tooth.
9. What are the names of teeth in each quadrant of the mouth?
Each quadrant of the mouth contains the same types of teeth: incisors, one canine, premolars, and molars. The mouth is divided into four quadrants in dental charts.
- 2 incisors
- 1 canine
- 2 premolars
- 3 molars (including the third molar)
This system helps dentists identify and name specific teeth accurately.
10. Why do different teeth have different names?
Different teeth have different names because each type has a unique shape and function in the process of chewing. Tooth names reflect their role in dental anatomy.
- Incisors cut food
- Canines tear food
- Premolars crush food
- Molars grind food
These distinctions help in dental education, treatment planning, and understanding oral health.
