Types of Teeth and Their Functions

While the mouth is a small part of our overall anatomy, it’s filled with many things that keep our health in tip top shape. One of these many properties includes the teeth because without teeth we wouldn’t be able to chew our food and nourish our bodies. If you’ve ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes, Dr. Jason Pellegrino at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry would like to explain further.

According to the American Dental Association, each tooth is made up of several parts: pulp, cementum, dentin, and enamel. The types of teeth and their functions are as follows:

• 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 smile, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.allentowndentist.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Pellegrino at Pellegrino Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Allentown, PA, call 610-530-7901.