When kids flash a big smile, there’s a lot more going on than just cuteness! Each tooth in your child’s mouth has a special shape and an important job, helping them eat and speak clearly.  There are different types of teeth in our mouth, each with their own special role. 

Incisors: The Front Row Helpers 

How many? - 8 total (4 on top, 4 on bottom) 

What do they do? Incisors are the front teeth you see when your child smiles. Their flat, sharp edges are perfect for biting into foods like apples, sandwiches, and watermelon. 

Why they’re important: 

• Help with clear speech sounds like “th” and “f” 

• Play a big role in appearance and confidence 

• Guide proper alignment of other teeth 

Canines: The Pointy Protectors 

How many? - 4 total (2 on top, 2 on bottom) 

What do they do? Canines (also called cuspids) are slightly pointy teeth next to the incisors. They’re great for tearing food, especially tougher foods like meat. 

Why they’re important: 

• Help guide the bite into proper position 

• Support facial structure 

• Anchor teeth during chewing and smiling 

Premolars: The Food Crushers (Adult teeth only, no premolars in baby teeth!) 

How many? 8 total 

What do they do? Premolars sit between canines and molars and have flat surfaces with ridges. They crush and grind food, making it easier to swallow and digest. 

Why they’re important: 

• Transition between tearing and grinding 

• Support proper chewing habits 

• Maintain spacing and jaw balance 

Molars: The Mighty Mashers 

How many? 

• 8 baby molars 

• 12 adult molars (including wisdom teeth) 

What do they do? Molars are the large teeth in the back of the mouth. Their wide, bumpy surfaces are built for grinding food into small, digestible pieces. 

Why they’re important: 

• Essential for nutrition 

• Help keep the jaw strong 

• Baby molars save space for future adult teeth 

Baby Teeth vs. Adult Teeth: Why Both Matter 

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which begin falling out around age 6 to make room for 32 adult teeth. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they are VERY important; they help with chewing, speaking, facial development, and saving space for adult teeth. 

If you ever have questions about your child’s teeth or dental development, our amazing & dedicated pediatric dental team at UPD Dental Associates is always happy to help. For more info on the services we provide please stop by our website by clicking on this link. 

Sources 

1. American Dental Association. “Eruption Charts.” MouthHealthy, American Dental Association. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026. - https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/eruption-charts?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

2. Cleveland Clinic. “Teeth: Anatomy, Types, Function & Care.” Cleveland Clinic, 26 Jan. 2023. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026. - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24655-teeth?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

3. Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Tooth.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026. - https://www.britannica.com/science/tooth-anatomy?utm_source=chatgpt.com