The adult human mouth has 32 teeth: 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw. These 32 teeth are divided into 4 groups—each group of teeth is similar in shape and function but differs from the teeth in the other groups.

The incisors are located in the front of the mouth—these are sharp-edged teeth that are used to cut food. The fangs are located next to the incisors—these teeth are pointed at their ends, and they help us “rip” the food. The jaws are after the fangs—they have sharp edges, but unlike the fangs and incisors, their square shape and function are to crush the food.

The back teeth, also known as premolars and molars, are located at the back part of the mouth. Their primary function is to grind food until it becomes smooth enough for swallowing.
Our adult teeth can not be replaced, so we need to take great care of them. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, and flossed is recommended, especially after eating.

A child’s mouth has 20 teeth which begin appearing when they are usually 6 to 8 months old. They will start falling out in the early teen years, and by the time a person is 21, these teeth begin to be replaced by adult teeth. By age 51, the last of the original set of 32 teeth fall out, but that doesn’t mean we can not chew our food anymore. It only means that people need to rely on dental implants, dentures, or bridges.

Permanent teeth are called that because they replace the primary teeth. The latter, also known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth, are enamel, dentin, and pulp. To make room for their permanent counterparts, these 20 teeth will begin falling out at around 6-7 years of age.