Get to Know 4 Types of Teeth with a Dentist in Boonville

When you look in your mouth as an adult, you should have 32 teeth—that’s if you haven’t had any fallout or extracted. Each of your teeth serves a certain purpose and make up your marvelous smile. Learn more about each type of tooth in your mouth, how it helps your smile, and how you can properly care for them in this week’s blog post from your dentist in Boonville.

Incisors

The eight teeth that are in the front of your smile are known as your incisors teeth. Usually, these are the very first teeth in your smile to develop. With four on the top and four on the bottom, they help you bite your food. This is very important in assisting the digestive system.

Canines

Often referred to as “vampire teeth,” your canines are the four pointy teeth that sit beside to your incisors. You have two on the top and two on the bottom, which usually develops between the ages of two and three. Between the ages of 9 to 12 years, they will fall out to be replaced by your adult canine teeth. When compared to the other teeth in your mouth, they are the sharpest, which also helps with digesting food.

Premolars

Premolars are also known as bicuspids, which follow the canines in development. Altogether there are 8 of these teeth—four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. Unlike the other teeth, you won’t have these as a baby. Instead, they erupt around the time you turn 10 years old. Again, these help with digesting food by grinding it down so that you can swallow.

Molars

Molars serve the same purpose as premolars because they grind food down. Generally, the first set of permanent molars will appear around the age of six, which is prior to the primary molars falling out. The second set will come in before the age of 13.

When you begin to develop into a young adult, your mouth should change, too. Typically, your mouth will make room for your wisdom teeth (final molars) to develop into the smile, but there are cases that can become complicated. Most times, your dentist in Boonville will recommend having your wisdom teeth pulled to save the health of the rest of your smile.

Keep All of Your Teeth Healthy!

Each of your teeth plays vital parts in keeping your mouth and whole body healthy. It’s important to care for them at home with consistent brushing and flossing as well as visiting your family dentist in Boonville for regular dental visits. These appointments help you keep your smile in great condition for years to come!

About Our Office

Here at Great Impression Dental, we value every single one of your teeth—and we make it our duty to explain to you the importance of caring for your teeth, too. With preventive dental care and helpful advice at home, we’re able to help patients maintain their healthy smiles for a lifetime. Learn more about how we can help you by contacting us today.