types of teeth

It’s a surprise at how little many people think about their teeth until a true problem arises. Teeth are often ignored and given little care until it’s too late. The best thing a person can do for their teeth is to educate themselves on the proper care as well as their simple structure. Many people don’t even realize they have several different types of teeth. Today, we’d like to help our readers by listing the different types of teeth and how they help you every day.
Each type of tooth in your mouth comes in a slightly different shape to help perform its job within the mouth.

Incisors

The incisors are the eight teeth that line the front center of your mouth. Four on the top and four on the bottom of your mouth. These teeth are primarily used for taking the first bite into food, however many also use them for nail biting and opening packages (two big no no’s). As a child, these are the first teeth that tend to erupt and become exposed. This typically happens when babies are 6-months-old for the first set and between 6 and 8 years of age for the second set.

Canines

You have four canines, one on each side of your incisors. Canines are the sharpest of your teeth. While incisors usually take the first bite of food, canines are the ones to really tear the food apart. Canines appear second in the order of teeth for children, the first set appear around 16 to 20 months with the top canines arriving first. However, the top canines arrive second when the second set grow in, usually between 11 and 12 years of age.

Premolars

Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are used for the chewing and grinding of the foods you eat. Premolars are placed on the side of your mouth, four on each side, two on the top and two on the bottom. Premolars are bigger and thicker than canines and incisors, but are just as susceptible to cavity and decay. Your first and only premolars arrive around the age of 10.

Molars

Molars are the largest of the teeth. They have a flat biting surface and are used primarily for chewing, grinding, and crushing food. The first set of molars come in between 12 and 15 months and are replaced by the permanent premolars (these are known as deciduous molars). The first set of permanent molars appear around the age of 6, and the second set between 11 and 13 years old.

Third Molars

More commonly known as wisdom teeth, these are the last teeth to develop between the ages of 18 and 20. While some people never develop wisdom teeth at all, others need them removed to prevent crowding.
Knowing the different types and uses for your teeth can help you care for them as well as use them properly. For more questions about your teeth type or anything dental related, do not hesitate to contact Water Tower Dental Care, voted Chicago’s number 1 dental office.