Arrangement of teeth

Teeth are embeded in the upper and lower jaw bones. They are arranged in each jaw in the form of an arch. When the person closes his mouth the teeth of the upper and lower arches interdigit with one another. This in scientific words is called occlusion.

Types of teeth

Humans have teeth of four distinct type each having a typical appearance and performing a certain function.

The incisors are the front teeth that are so called because they help to incise food. They are flat blade like teeth . There are 2 incisors in each quadrant of the jaw.

Canines are teeth that are present at the corners of the mouth. They are pointed teeth that help in shearing food. Next to the canines are 2 premolars which have broader grinding surfaces and therefore help in chewing and grinding of food.

The molars are large back teeth having a large grinding surface used primarily to grind food.