Question

Name the different types of teeth. What is the function of each type ?

Answer 1

Teeth are mainly of 4 types:

1. Incisors- Incisors are also called the cutting teeth, and are the teeth at the centre of the dental frame. Incisors are shaped like a shovel that enables them to cut food. The main functions of an incisor in the mastication process are biting, cutting off food into chewable pieces and moving it inwards the mouth. There are eight incisors have a single root and almost the same shape, but their size may differ slightly depending upon the dental framework of the person.
2. Canines- Canines are also called eyeteeth or cuspids. They are the teeth located next to the incisors towards the edge of the mouth. There are four canines in both primary and permanent human mouth. They are the third teeth from the centre.
3. Premolars- Premolars are also called bicuspids. They are the teeth located after the canines towards the back of the mouth. There are eight premolars in the permanent human dentition. They are responsible for tearing and crushing the food to smaller pieces making it easy to swallow.
4. Molars- Molars are the teeth located at the back of the dental framework or arch. Adult humans have twelve molars, three on either side in the upper and lower jaw. There are only 8 molars in the mouth but may vary according to the tooth growth of an individual. They are the ones mainly responsible to chew the food properly and grind the food into tiny bits. They are the strongest of all types of teeth.