There are 32 permanent teeth in the full adult set. Children have just 20 teeth, and these are called deciduous teeth, also known as ‘milk’ teeth or ‘baby’ teeth.  In a full set of permanent teeth, there are 16 teeth in the lower jaw, and 16 teeth in the upper jaw, although it is not unusual to find teeth that are missing or that have “drifted” into a space for another tooth, or simply have not come through (technically referred to as non-eruption). The teeth are again split up from the 4 quadrants into 4 separate types, each tooth having a unique function.

Incisor teeth are shovel shaped teeth located at the front of your mouth and are used for cutting or slicing food.

Canine teeth (dog teeth) are used for stabbing or piercing food and have an extremely long root compared to all the other teeth. Incisor teeth and Canine teeth are located at the front of your mouth and are referred to as anterior teeth.

Premolar teeth are used for chewing your food. These are your first row of back teeth or posterior teeth.

Molars are used for mastication to ensure your food passes properly down your throat and into your stomach. Molars have a large flat chewing surface that can break down food easily. Molars and Premolars are right at the back of your mouth and are referred to as posterior teeth.