Human Teeth Names: Types, Functions & Numbers

Teeth names are essential vocabulary when learning about the human body, health, or visiting a dentist. In English, teeth are classified into different types based on their position, shape, and function.

This lesson introduces the four main types of human teeth, explains what each type is used for, and shows how many teeth adults and children have. Clear examples and a comparison table are included to help you understand and remember the differences easily.

Teeth Names

There are four main types of teeth found in humans:

Incisors
Canines
Premolars
Molars (including wisdom teeth)

Anatomy of Human Teeth

Teeth are arranged along the upper and lower dental arches. Each type of tooth occupies a specific position:

Incisors are located at the very front of the mouth.
Canines sit next to the incisors, at the corners of the dental arch.
Premolars are positioned behind the canines.
Molars are found at the back of the mouth.

Teeth Names with Their Functions

Incisors: Thin-edged teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for cutting and biting food.
Canines: Pointed teeth that work with incisors to tear food.
Premolars: Teeth located between canines and molars; they have two cusps on the biting surface and are used for crushing and grinding food.
Molars: Large teeth with flat, broad surfaces designed for grinding and chewing food thoroughly.
Wisdom teeth: The final four molars that most adults develop; they are located at the very back of the mouth.

Teeth Names and Numbers

Teeth are among the strongest parts of the human body. They are mainly composed of minerals and proteins, which give them their hardness and durability. Besides helping with digestion, teeth also play an important role in clear speech and pronunciation.

Adults usually have 32 teeth in total, including wisdom teeth. These are called permanent (secondary) teeth.

Babies are born without teeth because their primary source of nutrition is milk. As babies begin to eat solid foods, primary (milk) teeth gradually appear. These teeth later fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.

Comparison Table: Types of Human Teeth

Tooth Type	Primary (Milk) Teeth	Secondary (Permanent) Teeth	Key Function
Incisors	8	8	Cutting food
Canines	4	4	Tearing food
Premolars	0	8	Crushing food
Molars	8	12 (including wisdom teeth)	Grinding food
Total	20	32	—

Teeth Names with Examples

The false canine on the upper right side of his mouth began to ache.
They had four first premolar extractions, but the outcomes were not very satisfactory.
A sweet chestnut lay close by, its surface marked by sharp incisor scratches.
The patient has a radiolucent lesion below the molar teeth in the right mandible.
The dentist may decide that the wisdom teeth need to be extracted.