Teeth have many purposes from helping you chew your food to making it easier to digest. Each type of tooth in your mouth has a different job and shape.

Incisors

These eight teeth are found in the front of the mouth. There are four on the bottom and four on top. They help you take bites from your food and are normally the first teeth a baby will get.

Canines

The four canines next to the incisor often look like fangs. They are your sharpest teeth and get used for tearing and ripping of food. They will appear in the mouth between 16 and 20 months.

Premolars

These are often referred to as bicuspids and are used to grind or chew food. Adults have four on each side of the mouth. There are no baby premolars but the first set will arrive around the age of 10. After that, you can expect the second premolars in about a year. These will take the place of the first and second molars.

Molars

Molars are responsible for grinding and chewing food. The primary molars appear between 12 and 28 months but eventually are replaced by the first and second premolars.

The permanent molars won’t replace any primary teeth but come in behind them. This process starts around the age of 6 with the second set between the ages of 11 and 13.

Third Molars

The third molars are more often called wisdom teeth. They are the final teeth to make an appearance in the mouth. They don’t tend to erupt until the ages of 17 to 20. Some people will never get third molars. Others will find that they cause issues and need to be removed.

It is important that you never take your oral health or teeth for granted. Make sure you take the time to brush your teeth twice a day. You should also floss at least once. Eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking. See your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Remember, a healthy smile makes for a healthy body and life.

For high quality general dentistry in Mentor, OH, please call Erieview Dental at 440.357.1222to schedule your next appointment today.