Illustrated diagram showing four types of teeth.

We all have 32 teeth—but did you know that those 32 teeth are divided into four different categories? It’s true! When it comes to our teeth, there’s more than meets the eye. Let’s take a closer look at the four types of teeth you have in your mouth and what makes them unique.

Incisors

First up are incisors. These are the eight front teeth located at the top and bottom of your mouth. Incisors are shaped like chisels, which helps them do their job—they bite off pieces of food. Have you ever noticed that when you smile, your incisors look like they're sticking out? That's because they're designed to be the most visible, so they can easily grab food or cut through tough skin.

Incisors are usually the first teeth to come through when babies get their adult teeth, usually between the ages of five and seven years old. 

Canines

Next up are canines. These sharp-pointed teeth come directly behind the incisors and get their name from their resemblance to canine (dog) teeth. Canines help us tear tougher food items like raw vegetables or meats, but they also play an important role in maintaining our dental health by helping to keep our other teeth in line.

Additionally, canines help you hold onto food while you are chewing it with your other teeth. These teeth typically grow in around age nine or ten and may be slightly longer than the other types of adult teeth.

Premolars

Third on the list are premolars (also called bicuspids). Premolars grow in around age eleven or twelve and have flat surfaces designed for crushing and grinding food into smaller pieces before swallowing it. These eight teeth (four on top, four on bottom) sit behind your canines but before your molars—hence their name!

Premolars have two pointed cusps (or bumps) on each tooth that help make short work of tough foods like steak or nuts. They also help us maintain good dental hygiene by keeping plaque away from our other teeth.

Molars

Finally, we have molars! Molars come after the premolars and have flat surfaces that allow us to grind or mash up food before swallowing it. Most adults have 12 molars—eight “regular” molars and four “wisdom” molars—but some people may only ever get one set of wisdom molars (or none at all!). Like premolars, molars also play a key role in maintaining good dental hygiene by helping to keep plaque away from our other teeth.

A Healthy Smile

Our 32 adult teeth come in four distinct types—incisors, canines, premolars, and molars—each with its own unique purpose in helping us eat properly and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Knowing which type of tooth is behind your wide smile will give you a better understanding of how your mouth works. Taking care of your teeth is important for overall health, so make sure to brush twice a day. With proper oral hygiene, you can ensure that your teeth will stay healthy for years to come!

Make sure to schedule your next appointment at Kanehl Dental to keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape!