4 Teeth Types and Their Functions Explained Simply

teeth types

People tend to believe that their teeth types are just a part of the facial expressions that are responsible for the appearance of a smile and health in general. 

The teeth in our mouth are as unique in their function, and it will be more comprehensible if we know the functions of the individual teeth. There are four types of teeth in human, each serving a specific role in the mouth as follows. 

It might come as some surprise, but people usually don’t really pay enough attention to their teeth types, which are such vital components of their bodies.

Teeth Types in Humans 

There are four teeth types in human, each of which has its own role. Below each one is described in detail:

Incisors

Incisors are the teeth types that are first noticed when a smile is flashed across the face. These teeth are categorized as incisors and are situated in front of the mouth, visible once someone opens his or her mouth. In the upper jaw, there are four, and in the lower jaw, there are also four; therefore, in total, there are eight incisors. 

Function

Natures: The first function of incisors is to slice the food particles. They have a thin cutting edge that ensures that they enjoy the apple, carrot, and similar products through an effective biting function.

Aesthetic Function: Incisors have one beautiful function, which is to beautify a mouth. Dental care structures are crucial for beautification and aesthetic value and also determine speech as well as other functions like chewing.

Canines

After that, there are the canines, which are located beside the incisors. These teeth are characterized by the fact that they are slim at the edges but are worn down in the middle. There are therefore 4 canines, 2 in the upper jaw and 2 on the lower jaw.

Canine Teeth Function

Tearing Food: This design enables them to cut through meaty foods and fibrous vegetables since the tips of the teeth are sharp.

Coordination: Supporting jaw canines are also needed to meet jaw muscle strength, compliance with aspects such as biting and chewing.

Premolars Teeth

They are situated between canines and molars and they are also referred to as the bicuspids. They are congruent teeth that are located between the sharp incisors and the canines on one side of the mouth and the molars at the posterior part of the oral cavity. There are four premolars in each jaw and the total number of premolars is eight.

Function

Molar: these types of teeth in human have a flat surface with some ridges to be used in crushing and grinding food into smaller particle sizes. 

Chewing: They are also involved in tearing as well as grinding the food, which is why they are very important for chewing functions.

Molars

Molars are categorized as the largest teeth in the mouth Human beings have 12 molars in total, which are, divided and situated in the upper and lower jaws in three sections. The last molars are the third set and they are popularly referred to as the wisdom teeth and they develop sometime in late adulthood.

Function

Grinding and Crushing: Molars; these teeth types are flattened with many ridges; best suited for grinding and crushing the food into a pulp. This is the last physical process in the mechanical digestion process where the food in your stomach is churned into smaller lumps called chyme.

Effective Grinding: Molars help in working the food with the help of tongue and cheek to prepare it for swallowing, by grinding it well.

Information and Knowledge About Teeth

This knowledge of the different types of teeth and their role will assist in understanding the dental human anatomy from a broader perspective. All teeth types are necessary when it comes to oral health and as a consequence the overall health of a person. These are some of the reasons why there is a need to understand more about our teeth.

Preventive Care: They also need to take care so as to enhance the function of these teeth. For instance, it is realized that molars have a higher tendency to develop cavities due to their location in the mouth and thus require additional attention during brushing and flossing.

Need to know: People’s choices of the foods they take are likely to be affected by knowledge of how teeth function. For example, being aware that our incisors serve the purpose of cutting will help to prevent the use of these teeth for opening packages or biting on hard things.

Caring for Your Teeth

You need to take proper care of your teeth to maintain their healthy state. The points below remain essential for maintaining healthy teeth; therefore, you should follow them consistently.

  • Daily toothbrushing twice a day, together with fluoridated toothpaste, helps prevent cavity development.
  • Daily flossing helps eliminate bread crumb particles and other spots which cannot be reached by the toothbrush.
  • People should seek dental hygiene care through dental appointments because early detection helps find potential concerns.
  • People should make sure that they balance their diet, limiting consumption of foods high in sugar to reduce the chances of developing mouth odor and decaying teeth.

Conclusion

The teeth are not just used in chewing food, but are also utilized in making the correct facial features and mainting a proper appearance. No doubt that they are fundamental to the general human body system. However, dental hygiene and dental care are aspects of human life that, if well observed, can result in a lifetime of dental health and a quality of life. Dr Kamila in Houston clinic helps you with all kinds of dental treatments and dental care. Visit us immediately Dr kamila if you observe any dental abnormalities, such as cavities or gum infection, while brushing your teeth. We will help restore both your teeth’s health and the shine to your smile.