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Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your family dentist all play a vital role in your oral health. If you’re like most people, you take your teeth for granted and probably think one tooth is the same as the rest. But your smile is made up of very different types of teeth that serve specific purposes. Jerry A. Laws, DDS, has provided family and cosmetic dentistry services to the Lexington, NC, community for more than 37 years, and he provides some important information to help you appreciate the function of each tooth.

A Guide to the 4 Types of Teeth

1. Canines

You have four canines, each one situated immediately next to an incisor. As the sharpest teeth in your mouth, their primary purpose is for cutting or ripping food into smaller pieces to aid swallowing. Typically, they erupt before two years of age and contribute greatly to the overall appearance of your smile.

2. Incisors 

The eight teeth in the front of your mouth are the incisors. They’re flat and thin, and they provide support to your lips. They’re the first teeth to come into contact with food during eating and are also the most visible when speaking or smiling, so taking care of these teeth is essential for both your appearance and oral function.

3. Premolars

Tfamily dentist hese teeth are located directly next to the canines and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids by family dentists. They’re used for chewing and typically appear by the age of 10 years, replacing the first and second primary molars.  

4. Molars

Situated in the back of the mouth, molars are the largest and flattest of your teeth. You have 12 altogether (six on top and six on the bottom, including wisdom teeth). Their main purpose is chewing and grinding food. Primary molars erupt before three years of age and are replaced later on by premolars. Permanent molars appear around six years of age behind the premolars. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, appear later in adolescence or early adulthood and often cause crowding or other issues and need to be removed.

Now that you understand the differences and purposes of the four types of teeth in your mouth, it’s important to take care of them with regular teeth cleanings and dental exams. Whether you need standard preventive care or have a dental emergency, Jerry A. Laws, DDS, can help. This family dentist offers comprehensive care to patients of all ages in a friendly, relaxed environment. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 249-7708 or visit the website to learn more.

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