Every Picture Tells a Story, and So Does Every Tooth!

Understanding the Different Types of Teeth | Serenity Family Dental of Burlington, MA

It’s commonly known that most adults have 32 teeth, compared with 20 primary, or baby, teeth. But fewer know the different types of teeth and how they work together harmoniously to help us speak and eat efficiently, and, of course, to form a wonderfully toothy grin! Our friendly family dentist at Serenity Family Dental of Burlington would like to offer a brief primer on the different types of these tiny wonders in the hope of encouraging our patients to give them all the “TLC” they deserve!

• Those eight flat, sharp teeth in the front of your mouth are known as the incisors. These chisel-shaped teeth are terrific at ripping and biting off pieces of food. The incisors are especially helpful for foods like fruits and veggies.
• Right next to your incisors are the four canines, also known as the cuspids or eye teeth. The canines are the longest teeth in our mouths, and are shaped for shedding and tearing apart tough foods like meat.
• Directly behind those canines are eight premolars, sometimes referred to as bicuspids. Their combination of sharp ridges and flat surfaces serves a dual purpose, crushing and grinding our food.
• Way back in your mouth is where you’ll find the twelve molars, our biggest and strongest teeth. Their broad, flat surfaces are perfect for crushing and grinding food that’s ready to be swallowed and digested. Wisdom teeth, the last molars to erupt, sometimes need to be removed because there’s not enough space in the mouth.

It’s easy to see that each of these four distinctly different-shaped teeth has a job to do in helping us chew and digest properly. That’s why our dentist in Serenity Family Dental of Burlington urges our patients to brush and floss carefully between each of these 32 pearly whites, at least twice a day. And don’t forget to schedule regular professional cleanings and exams! Please call us today to schedule a visit!