DENTITION & TOOTH ANATOMY
DENTITION Teeth are small, calcified, hard whitish structures found in the mouth for mechanically breaking down items of food by cutting and crushing them. Humans usually have 20 primary(deciduous, baby or milk) teeth and 32 permanent (adult) teeth. Teeth are classified as: Incisors Central incisors Lateral incisors Canines Premolars Molars Teeth are the only part of human body that cannot repair itself. Incisors Present at the front of the mouth These teeth have sharp edges and are adapted for cutting food into small, chewable pieces. Humans have eight incisors, four incisors in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. Canines- Also called as cuspids. They are situated at the corners of the dental arches. They have sharp, elongated and pointy surfaces. Their function is to grip and tear food. Premolars Also called as bicuspids. They are located behind the canines. These teeth have a flat surface with ridges. Adapted for crushing and grinding food into smaller portions. Huma...
