Our teeth do much more than helping us chew. They play a large part in shaping your appearance, as the teeth and jaw structure makes up a large part of the skull. They make your smile, which helps you make good first impressions on others, yet many people don’t know the difference between a molar and a bicuspid! Take a moment to learn about the four types of teeth and the unique jobs they do with Dr. Gianni Franceschi with Smiles of Trinity Family Dentistry.
Primary vs. Secondary Teeth
Humans will have two sets of teeth in our lifetime: the primary teeth and the secondary teeth. The primary teeth are more commonly known as the “baby teeth” because they appear when we are only about six months old, and they are all in place by the time we reach age three.
The secondary teeth, also known as the “adult teeth”, push out the baby teeth to become a permanent part of your smile. This process usually takes place between the ages of six and twelve years old.
The average adult human usually has 32 adult teeth, but they are not all the same. Your teeth have different jobs based on their shapes. Think about them as the players on your favorite football team: each plays their own position but they work as a team.
The Types of Teeth
Incisors: These are the eight teeth in the very front of your mouth. We have four incisors on the bottom and four on top. These are primarily used for biting off pieces of food.
Canines: These teeth are named after the fangs of a canine, or dog, due to their sharp, pointed appearance. We have four canines, two on top and two on the bottom, one on either side of our incisors. Canine teeth are used to rip and tear food.
Bicuspids: These teeth, also known as premolars, are used for chewing and grinding foods. We have four bicuspids, two on the top and two on the bottom, one on either side of the canine teeth.
Molars: These flat-topped teeth, also used for chewing and grinding, grow at the rear of your mouth, four on top and four on the bottom, two on each side. Molars are an area that commonly experience tooth decay due the fact that they are used constantly but can be difficult to clean as thoroughly.
Many people also grow third molars, more commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth” due to their late arrival (late teens to early twenties). Four third molars will erupt, one each side, top and bottom. Wisdom teeth that fail to emerge are said to be impacted and require a surgical procedure to remove. These are also prone to tooth decay due to their location at the very rear of the mouth.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Trinity, FL
Now that you know your teeth a little better, you will be better able to communicate with Dr. Franceschi when you may be having a problem. For example, if you have pain in the top front of your mouth when you bite, you may have an issue with one of your top incisors. At the very least, maybe you now appreciate the roles your teeth play in chewing on your food. Schedule your dental checkup today online or call our Trinity, FL dentist office at 727.376.6969.