Types of Teeth

The eight **incisors**, four at the top and four at the bottom, are the sharp front teeth used for biting into food. Flanking the incisors are the four **cuspids** (or canines), which have pointed edges (cusps) ideal for tearing food. These fang-like teeth are especially effective for piercing tough or fleshy foods. Located behind the cuspids are the eight **premolars** (or bicuspids), which have a flatter shape with two rounded cusps suited for mashing food. The most posterior and largest teeth are the 12 **molars**, which feature multiple pointed cusps for crushing food to prepare it for swallowing. The third molar in each set, top and bottom, is commonly referred to as a wisdom tooth, as these teeth typically erupt in early adulthood. It is common for wisdom teeth to remain impacted, meaning they do not fully emerge. In such cases, they are often removed through orthodontic surgery. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, 23.3 The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/FPtK1zmh@7.30:HZpu8mRK@4/The-Mouth-Pharynx-and-Esophagu* ## Keywords incisors canines premolars molars kinds of teeth