Have you ever spent more than the first and last five minutes of your day thinking about your teeth? And even then, it is like an automated motion to brush your teeth. We only seem to be reminded of dental care when a problem arises. Teeth are an underrated organ of the body. They perform an important function- helping us break down food by chewing. They also help us form speech clearly.

You might not be aware that there are different types of teeth, each with their own unique function.

The Four Types of Teeth

Humans typically have between 28 to 32 teeth. It varies because some people have their wisdom tooth or teeth removed. Your teeth can be categorized into four different types:

Canines
Canines are present just behind the corner of your mouth and have sharp ends that help in tearing. Humans have four canines, present in both our upper and lower jaws.

Incisors
Incisors are the first teeth you can see as they are present at the centre of your mouth. Along with the canines, they help in biting and tearing. Any food that we eat is first broken down by these sets of teeth into smaller pieces so that it is easily digestible.

Premolars
Premolars, or bicuspids, are the teeth next to the canines. They are flatter and help in biting and crushing your food. We have eight premolars, pairs of two on either side in the upper and lower jaws.

Molars
Molars are the largest type of teeth, located at the very back of your mouth. They are flat and wide in shape. They help in biting, grinding and crushing your food. Wisdom teeth are of this type.

Caring For Your Teeth

As mentioned above, every tooth has its own distinct function, and you need all of them to work together effectively. Caring for your teeth is very important. Sometimes, you may lose a tooth, or it may have to be extracted. In such cases, it is recommended you replace the tooth in order to have continued optimum functioning of your teeth.

You can consider non-surgical dental treatment options such as bridging or dentures if you are missing some or all teeth in either jaw. An almost permanent solution could also be dental implants that are put in surgically. You could be checked for general health and jawbone density before dentists prescribe dental implants, but it usually works well.

You can learn more about how to care for your teeth and other dental procedures at our dental clinic in Medavakkam, Chennai.

Scheduling Regular Dental Care Appointments

It is highly recommended that you schedule regular check ups with a dentist to care for your teeth and gums. They will guide you on daily dental care and be available to address your concerns if you notice any changes.

Our capable team of dentists are available at our dental clinic in Medavakkam, Chennai to address all your concerns. Book an appointment with us for your next check-up!

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