Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Teeth Types and the Purpose They Serve

At Maiden Lane Dental, it is our job to teach you about the significance of your teeth. For example, did you know that your enamel is the strongest bone in your body? Teeth are used for cutting and chewing food. They also start the digestive process that fuels our bodies. According to the American Dental Association, each tooth is made up of several parts: pulp, cementum, dentin, and enamel. But have you ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes? That’s because they all do different things!



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have further questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

No comments:

Post a Comment