What are the different types of human teeth and their functions?

Human teeth types include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each serving unique functions in eating and speaking.

The human mouth typically contains 32 teeth, including four different types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth has a unique structure and function, contributing to the overall process of mastication (chewing) and speech.

Incisors are the eight teeth in the front and centre of your mouth (four on top and four on bottom). These are the teeth that you use to take bites of your food. Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt — at around 6 months for your first set of teeth, and between 6 and 8 years for your permanent set.

Canines are the sharp, pointed teeth that sit next to the incisors and look like fangs. Humans have four canines, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are used for tearing and ripping food apart. They are also the longest teeth in the human mouth, and people often refer to them as 'eye teeth' because they sit directly below the eyes.

Premolars, also called bicuspids, are the teeth located between the canine and molar teeth. An adult human has eight premolars—two in each quadrant of the mouth. These teeth have a flat surface with ridges for crushing and grinding food into smaller pieces.

Molars are the largest of the teeth. They have a large, flat surface filled with cusps and ridges that crush and grind food into a swallowable paste. The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last to erupt and often cause crowding and need to be removed.

In addition to their primary role in the digestion process, teeth also play a crucial role in speech. Different teeth, along with the tongue and lips, are responsible for forming sounds. For example, the incisors aid in creating sibilant sounds, while the canines are essential for creating vowel sounds.