Types of Teeth and Their Functions

There are many factors of how many teeth us humans have, and age plays the biggest role. Typically, children have 20 primary teeth and as they begin to ascend into adulthood that number will eventually grow to 32. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want you to be aware that teeth don’t just help you bite and chew; they play an important role in speaking and support many aspects of your facial structure. In case you aren’t aware that you have four different types, we’d like to explain what they are and the purpose they serve in your mouth.

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have further questions about your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.