Types of Teeth and Their Purpose

 

Teeth are extremely useful. Not only do they help you chew your food, but they help you form words so that you can speak properly and also help you express yourself through the act of smiling. Many factors play a role in the amount of teeth we have, but have you ever wondered why all teeth have different shapes? Our staff at All Coast Dental would like to take this opportunity to educate you on the types of teeth you have and the purpose they serve.    

The types of teeth and their functions are:

• 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 questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the pediatric services as well as other services we provide at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4909.

Teeth are extremely useful. Not only do they help you chew your food, but they help you form words so that you can speak properly and also help you express yourself through the act of smiling. Many factors play a role in the amount of teeth we have but have you ever wondered why all teeth have different shapes? Our staff at All Coast Dental would like to take this opportunity to educate you on the types of teeth you have and the purpose they serve.    

The types of teeth and their functions are:

• 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 questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4909.