We can be blissfully unaware of our teeth while chewing or even speaking. Unfortunately we can also become very aware of them whenever problems occur like cavities or an abscess but whether you’re caring for them or dealing with them, how much do you actually know about them?
Do you know the types of teeth you have and their functions? The way we see it, if you’re a bit more aware of the basic facts about your teeth, you may be much more likely to take care of them. So here’s a basic rundown of what you have and how they’re used.
Types of Teeth
Incisors – These guys are the eight teeth located front and center of your mouth. You use them mostly for biting and they are actually some of the first teeth you develop.
Canines– These, as you might guess, are the sharpest teeth you have. There are four of them, two on top and two on bottom. They’re used to tear your food and you begin to develop them right after your incisors
Pre-Molars– These are the flatter teeth in the back of your mouth. You have four of them and they are used for the grinding portion of the chewing process. You have two in the upper part of the mouth and two in the bottom.
Molars– These are yet more teeth used for chewing and grinding. You have four upper and four lower, and they work in conjunction with the pre-molars. They are all vital to the whole eating and chewing process.
Third molars– These are also known as the notorious wisdom teeth. They’re the last to develop. They often grow in incorrectly and then have to be removed, although some people never develop them at all.
Now that you have at least a summarized overview of your teeth and their functions, you need to take care of them. Any and every dentist will tell you that there’s just no substitute for your real teeth.
Come in today and make an appointment with Colorado Springs dentist Dr. Andrew Hall for a checkup or any other problems that you may be having. He can also give you a much more in depth discussion of your teeth, what they do, and how to preserve them for years to come.
