tooth identification

Incisors

The four front teeth in the mouth are known as incisors. They are located in both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The two center teeth are known as central incisors and the teeth on either side of them are known as lateral incisors. All of these teeth are responsible for cutting or biting food. They act like scissors.

Molars

There are normally 6 molars in each arch; three on the left and three on the right side. They are referred to as first, second and third molars. Some people never develop third molars and often these are the molars that are so far back in the mouth that they have difficulty coming in and may have to be taken out. The role of the molars in chewing is to grind the food.

Premolars

The teeth located distal to the canines are known as premolars. There are 4 premolars in each arch and two are located behind each canine in the arch. These teeth are smaller than the molars and are responsible for crushing food in the chewing process. These teeth are also only present in the permanent dentition. The primary dentition only consists of incisors, canines and molars.

Canines

The teeth located distal to the lateral incisors are known as canines. These teeth form the corners of the mouth. There are 2 canines in the maxillary arch and 2 canines in the mandibular arch. These teeth are responsible for tearing food particles when chewing.