Eating is one of the most fundamental activities we as humans engage in every day. We depend on our teeth to help us break down food so that we can extract the nutrients we need to stay healthy and to help us in the digestion of the food. They serve not least of all, to be a supporting structure for our faces. A question though! Have you ever stopped to consider the different types of teeth we have and the roles they play in the process of digesting your food?
Humans have four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth serves a unique function in helping us cut, tear, and grind our food.
Incisors
Incisors are the four front teeth in our mouths and are the first to come into contact with our food. They are thin, sharp, and designed for cutting and slicing food. Incisors are especially helpful for biting into apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables. They are also essential for ripping and tearing meat and other tough foods.
Canines
Canines are the long, pointy teeth located next to our incisors, of which we have one on either side. They are the sharpest teeth in our mouths and are designed for ripping and tearing meat. The canine teeth are especially helpful for hunting and eating raw meat, which was a common part of our ancestors’ diets.
Premolars
Premolars are the teeth located between the canines and molars. They are larger and broader than the front teeth and have a flatter surface with ridges. Premolars are designed for crushing and grinding food. They are especially helpful for breaking down tough foods like nuts, seeds, and fibrous vegetables. There are two premolars one either side of the mouth.
Molars
Molars are the largest teeth in our mouths and are located at the back of our jaws. They have a broad surface with several ridges, which are designed for crushing and grinding food. Molars are especially helpful for breaking down tough meats, roots, and other hard-to-chew foods. There are three molars on either side of the mouth, but that also includes the wisdom teeth.
Humans have four different types of teeth, each serving a specific function in the food-digestion process. Understanding the roles of each type of tooth can help us appreciate the complexity of the human body and how it is designed to process the foods we eat.
Because teeth play such a vital role in the digestion of food and supporting our facial structure, it is important that they are well maintained. That means periodic trips to your dentist for a dental check-up/dental examination and a teeth cleaning. It also means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. Schedule a dental appointment today!