Adults have five distinct types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, molars, and third molars (wisdom teeth). A full set of adult teeth totals 32, though many people have 28 if their wisdom teeth have been removed or never erupted. Each type of tooth has a specific shape, position, and function designed for a different stage of the chewing process. Understanding what your teeth do helps you appreciate why every tooth matters for both oral health and digestion.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we treat every tooth as important — because it is.
Total: 8 (4 upper, 4 lower)
The incisors are the eight teeth at the very front of your mouth — four on top and four on the bottom. They have a thin, flat, chisel-shaped edge designed to cut food into smaller, manageable pieces. When you take a bite of an apple or tear off a piece of bread, your incisors do the initial work. They are also the most visible teeth in your smile, which is why cosmetic treatments such as veneers and whitening often focus on this area.
Total: 4 (2 upper, 2 lower)
Canines are the pointed teeth located at the corners of your dental arch, one on each side of your upper and lower incisors. They are the sharpest teeth in your mouth, with a single, prominent cusp designed for gripping and tearing food — particularly meat and other tough textures. Canines also play a critical role in guiding your bite alignment when your jaw closes.
Total: 8 (4 upper, 4 lower)
Premolars (also called bicuspids) sit between the canines and the molars. They have a broader, flatter surface than canines but are sharper than molars, making them versatile teeth that both tear and crush food. Premolars handle the transition stage of chewing, breaking food down further before it reaches the molars at the back.
Total: 8 (4 upper, 4 lower)
Molars are the largest teeth in your mouth, located at the back of your dental arch. They have wide, flat biting surfaces with multiple cusps designed for grinding food into a consistency that your stomach can digest efficiently. If you have ever suffered indigestion, it may be because food was not ground down sufficiently by your molars before swallowing. These teeth bear the greatest chewing force and are the most common site for cavities due to their deep grooves.
Total: 0 to 4 (varies by individual)
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and those who do may experience complications including impaction (where the tooth does not fully emerge through the gum) and overcrowding. When wisdom teeth cause problems, they are often removed. When they erupt normally and have sufficient space, they function as additional grinding teeth.
| Tooth Type | Number | Location | Shape | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 8 | Front centre | Thin, flat, chisel-edged | Cutting and biting |
| Canines | 4 | Corners of dental arch | Pointed, single cusp | Gripping and tearing |
| Premolars | 8 | Between canines and molars | Broad with two cusps | Crushing and transitional chewing |
| Molars | 8 | Back of mouth | Large, flat, multi-cusped | Grinding food for digestion |
| Wisdom teeth | 0–4 | Behind molars | Similar to molars | Additional grinding (when present) |
Chewing is not a single action — it is a coordinated process that relies on every type of tooth working together. When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or missing, the entire chewing process is compromised:
Beyond chewing, each tooth supports the structure of your jaw and face. Tooth loss can lead to bone resorption over time, changing your facial appearance. This is why general dentistry focuses on preserving every tooth wherever possible.
Different teeth face different risks. Your molars, with their deep grooves, are most susceptible to cavities. Your incisors and canines are most vulnerable to chips and fractures. Your gumline around all teeth is where gum disease develops. A comprehensive oral hygiene routine addresses all of these:
Adults typically have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth. Many adults have 28 teeth if their wisdom teeth have not developed or have been removed.
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that served our ancestors who ate rougher, harder diets. In modern humans, they are often unnecessary and can cause complications such as impaction and overcrowding. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth.
Molars are the most cavity-prone teeth because their deep grooves and pits trap food and bacteria. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning help protect these vulnerable teeth.
When an adult tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift, your bite can become misaligned, and the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures can restore function and prevent further complications.
Pure Smiles has two practices in Fulham, SW6: 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB, and 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH. Call 020 7736 6276 to book a comprehensive dental check-up with Dr Ayzaaz Akram and our team.
