Incisors: Incisors are your two front teeth and the teeth on either side of them on the top and bottom of the mouth. Incisors are designed like tiny chisels with flat, moderately sharp ends. These teeth are formed to cut and chop food.
Canines: The pointy teeth beside your incisors are your canine teeth. You have a total of four canine teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are also designed to be sharp for tearing food.
Premolars (bicuspids): Premolars or bicuspid teeth are located just beyond the canine teeth toward the back of the mouth. You have eight in total—four on the top and four on the bottom.Premolars are bigger, stronger, and have ridges designed for crushing and grinding food.
Molars: In the very back of your mouth are the molars. You have eight molars—four on top and four on the bottom. Molars are your strongest set of teeth, formed with more width and ridges than the premolars. The molars are also designed for chewing and grinding, as well as thorough mashing of your food prior to swallowing. The molars generally do not surface until the ages of 6 to 12.
