Premier Dental Care |337 Hancock StGallatinTN37066 | (615) 452-1292
Premier Dental Care
337 Hancock St
GallatinTN 37066
 (615) 452-1292
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What Do All of My Teeth Do?

What Do All of My Teeth Do?

Did you know that your mouth has four different kinds of teeth? Each of your teeth has at least one job to do, such as helping you chew or speak clearly. Learn more about tooth types and anatomy, so you’ll become more familiar with these important parts of your mouth. 

Types of Teeth

Everyone has the following types of teeth in their mouth:

  • Incisors
  • Canines
  • Premolars
  • Molars

Incisors

Your incisors are the thinner teeth that are in the front part of your mouth. You have four incisors on your upper jaw and four on your lower jaw. These are the teeth you use to bite food, but that’s not all they do. Your incisors also help support your lips to prevent them from appearing sunken, and they make it possible for you to speak and pronounce words correctly.

Your mouth has a total of eight premolars, including four on your upper jaw and four on your lower jaw. In addition to helping you chew, your premolars also help support your facial structure.

Canines

Your canines are the pointed teeth that are right next to your incisors. You have two on your upper jaw and two on your lower jaw. Your canines make it easier for you to tear into foods that are harder to bite. They also help your teeth fit together correctly when you close your mouth. Problems with your canines can affect your bite or alignment, which can make it harder for you to speak and eat.

Premolars

Your premolars, or bicuspids, are the teeth that are next to each of your canines. These teeth aren’t pointed like your canines. Instead, they have a flatter surface at the top, which helps you grind or chew food. Your mouth has a total of eight premolars, including four in your upper jaw and four in your lower jaw. In addition to helping you chew, your premolars also help support your facial structure. Without these teeth, your face would have a more sunken appearance. 

Molars

Your molars are the wider teeth that are next to your premolars. You have a total of 12 molars, including six at the top and six at the bottom. These teeth have a flat surface like premolars, but they’re broader. Your molars help you thoroughly chew food. They also support your facial structure just as premolars do. Wisdom teeth are considered your fourth molars in each quadrant of your mouth, but many people end up having these removed. 

Other Types of Teeth

Some people have other kinds of teeth that develop, but these aren’t considered normal teeth. Supernumerary teeth, such as extra incisors or molars, can develop in some cases. Natal teeth, which are present when you’re born, typically occur in the lower jaw and usually fall out early. 

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