logo
Your Four Types of Teeth, Explained
Your Four Types of Teeth, Explained

Have you ever considered how much your teeth do for you every day? Not only do they help you chew and digest your food, but they help you speak and provide the centerpiece of a smile that shapes your face. But how much do you know about these small, hard-working pearly whites?


Our dentist at Caring Dental wants patients to understand how important their teeth are to their general health. We promote a strong oral hygiene routine for our patients that includes regular checkups and cleanings to keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria from making themselves at home in your mouth.


Here’s a brief primer on the four different types of teeth and their functions:

  • Those eight thin, straight teeth in the front of your mouth are the incisors. There are four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. Your incisors help cut your food into chewable pieces that are easier to swallow and digest.
  • The canines are those four teeth on each side of your incisors. These sharp, pointy teeth — which dentists call cuspids — are the longest teeth and help tear our food. Canines may also play a role in guiding our other teeth into position.
  • In an adult set of teeth, there are eight premolars behind the canines — four in the upper and four in the lower jaw. These bicuspids are flat on top and good for crushing and tearing food.
  • A dozen molars — behind those premolars and evenly distributed between your top and bottom teeth — are the flattest, widest teeth. These are primarily for grinding and crushing our food. So-called wisdom teeth are also molars and are the last to erupt in adulthood.


Our friendly dentist at Caring Dental hopes this brief primer will help our patients appreciate the importance of those pearly whites. Let’s work together to keep them healthy for years to come! Please contact our office today for an appointment.



Schedule Your Visit!

Fill out the form below to request your appointment at Caring Dental.

Name*
Location*
Union
Phone Number*
Email*
Message*
I allow this website to store my submission so they can respond to my inquiry

Our Location

Our office is conveniently located to offer you easy access to a wide range of dental services. Stop by today and experience exceptional service in a comfortable setting.

Our Location - Union

Union

Our Location - Marlboro

Marlboro

Union

1961 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083


Phone: (908) 686-0302


Office Hours

Monday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Tuesday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Wednesday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

FacebookInstagram

Marlboro

7 School Road E.

Marlboro, NJ 07746


Phone: (732) 462-5700

  

Office Hours

Monday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday: Closed

FacebookInstagram


alt text

Experience dental care like never before, with treatments that keep your teeth stunningly healthy. Caring Dental is here to make every smile shine brighter.


©Caring Dental 2025 | All Rights Reserved