Ever wondered what each of your teeth is called and why it matters? This article helps English learners understand the specific vocabulary for the different types of teeth, giving a clearer picture of dental health and oral anatomy.
Learning the correct dental vocabulary helps you communicate more effectively with dentists and understand basic oral health concepts. Humans develop two sets of teeth during their lifetime, known as primary dentition and permanent dentition. Understanding these terms also improves your English vocabulary related to health and the human body.
You’ll also find a downloadable PDF version of this teeth names chart.
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Contents
Teeth Names and Their Functions
There are different teeth names, and each tooth has a specific function in the process of chewing food. Humans are described as diphyodont, meaning they develop two sets of teeth during their lifetime.
The first set is called the primary dentition, which consists of temporary teeth often known as baby teeth. These teeth begin developing around the 14th week of fetal development and usually erupt during infancy. By the age of about 3 years old, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
The second set is called the permanent dentition or adult teeth. These begin replacing primary teeth around the age of 6. Excluding wisdom teeth, most permanent teeth erupt by age 12–13. When including wisdom teeth, the complete adult dentition of 32 teeth typically develops between the ages of 17 and 25.
Each tooth is made of several layers that protect and support its function. Understanding these layers helps explain how teeth remain strong and stable in the mouth.
The Anatomy of a Tooth: 4 Essential Parts
Each tooth contains four main structural layers that work together to maintain strength and sensitivity.
| Dental Term | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel | /ɪˈnæməl/ | The hard outer protective layer of the tooth that shields it from damage and decay. |
| Dentin | /ˈdɛntɪn/ | The layer beneath enamel that forms the main body of the tooth and gives it a slightly yellow color. |
| Pulp | /pʌlp/ | The innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. |
| Cementum | /sɪˈmɛntəm/ | A calcified layer covering the root of the tooth where periodontal ligaments attach the tooth to the alveolar bone. |
The 4 Main Types of Teeth and Their Functions
The human mouth contains four main types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type has a unique shape and function that helps break down food.
Incisors – The Cutters
Incisors are the front teeth located in the center of the mouth. They have a sharp edge called the incisal edge that is designed for cutting food.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Incisor | /ɪnˈsaɪzər/ | Front teeth used for cutting food. |
| Central incisor | /ˈsɛntrəl ɪnˈsaɪzər/ | The two middle front teeth in each jaw. |
| Lateral incisor | /ˈlætərəl ɪnˈsaɪzər/ | The teeth next to the central incisors. |
| Incisal edge | /ɪnˈsaɪzəl ɛdʒ/ | The sharp cutting edge of an incisor tooth. |
Canines (Cuspids) – The Tearers
Canines, also called cuspids, are pointed teeth used for tearing food. They help guide the alignment of your bite and have the longest roots among the four tooth types.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Canine | /ˈkeɪnaɪn/ | Pointed teeth used for tearing food. |
| Cuspid | /ˈkʌspɪd/ | Another name for canine teeth. |
| Tooth root | /tuːθ ruːt/ | The part of the tooth anchored inside the jawbone. |
Premolars (Bicuspids) – The Crushers
Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are located behind the canines. They typically have two cusps and help crush and grind food before swallowing.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Premolar | /priˈmoʊlər/ | A tooth used for crushing and grinding food. |
| Bicuspid | /baɪˈkʌspɪd/ | A premolar tooth with two cusps. |
| Cusp | /kʌsp/ | The pointed surface of a chewing tooth. |
| Occlusal surface | /əˈkluːzəl ˈsɜrfɪs/ | The chewing surface of premolars and molars. |
Molars – The Grinders
Molars are large teeth located at the back of the mouth. Their wide surfaces and multiple cusps help grind food during chewing.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Molar | /ˈmoʊlər/ | Large teeth used for grinding food. |
| First molar | /fɜrst ˈmoʊlər/ | The first permanent molar that erupts around age six. |
| Second molar | /ˈsɛkənd ˈmoʊlər/ | The molar behind the first molar. |
| Chewing surface | /ˈtʃuɪŋ ˈsɜrfɪs/ | The broad area used to grind food. |
Third Molars: What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of the mouth. They usually erupt in the late teenage years or early twenties.
Because the human jaw is often too small to accommodate them, wisdom teeth can sometimes become impacted or misaligned. For this reason, dentists frequently remove them to prevent discomfort, infection, or crowding of other teeth.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom tooth | /ˈwɪzdəm tuːθ/ | The third molar that usually erupts in early adulthood. |
| Impacted tooth | /ɪmˈpæktɪd tuːθ/ | A tooth that cannot fully emerge through the gum. |
| Extraction | /ɪkˈstrækʃən/ | The removal of a tooth by a dentist. |
| Misalignment | /ˌmɪsəˈlaɪnmənt/ | Improper positioning of teeth. |
Types of Teeth and Number
An adult mouth typically contains 32 teeth, while children usually have 20 primary teeth.
| Type of Teeth | Number in Adults | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 8 | Cutting food |
| Canines | 4 | Tearing food |
| Premolars | 8 | Grinding and crushing |
| Molars | 12 (including wisdom teeth) | Heavy chewing and grinding |