Ever wondered “How many teeth does an adult have”? Well, you’re not alone! In this blog we are going to take a look at how many teeth adults have, the types of teeth and their function, as well as how wisdom teeth affect the number of teeth an adult has in their mouth – all broken into bite-sized chunks. We’ll see ourselves out…
So, How Many Teeth Do Adults Have?
Let’s answer the question first: a normal adult has 32 teeth, 16 in the top jaw and 16 in the bottom. This is probably as much information as most people are after! But if you want to learn more…
We asked one of our resident dentists this question and they told us:
“The teeth in an adult mouth are split into four categories: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, with a dental formula of 2:1:2:3 in each quadrant (quarter) of the mouth. That is 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars (one of which is a wisdom tooth, although some lucky folks never have their wisdom teeth come through and so only have 28 teeth) in each half of each jaw (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).”
Still keeping up? Let’s take a closer look at these different types of teeth – this will help you understand it all a bit better (the image is especially helpful)!
The Types of Teeth and Their Functions
1. Incisors
These are the flat, sharp teeth situated at the front of your mouth. Their primary role is to bite into food and break it into smaller pieces.
2. Canines
Also known as “cuspids,” these teeth flank your incisors and have a pointed structure designed to tear food effectively. They also have the longest root of any tooth, giving them extra anchorage. Not as impressive as those in a lion, but we make do!
3. Premolars
Positioned behind the canines, these flat-topped teeth have features from both the canines and molars, assisting in the grinding and crushing of food into more manageable pieces.
4. Molars
These are the robust, flat-surfaced teeth located at the back of your mouth, designed for chewing food into a consistency suitable for swallowing. Wisdom teeth are a type of molar – let’s take a closer look at these now.
How Many Teeth Does an Adult Have with Wisdom Teeth?
This is another common question. Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, typically erupt during the late teens or early adult years. You have four wisdom teeth in total: one in at the very back of each quadrant of the mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right). Although they don’t erupt for everyone, those who do have wisdom teeth will reach a total of 32 teeth (so people without wisdom teeth only have 28 teeth). Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause complications like impaction or overcrowding, which may require expert care.
Our Expertise In Oral Health: Granite Belt Dental
Understanding how many teeth an adult has and the potential challenges posed by wisdom teeth is a great step in maintaining great oral health. At Granite Belt Dental, we are dedicated to helping you and your family achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer a wide range of services to cater to patients in Warwick and Stanthorpe, covering everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings, crowns, and bridges.
We understand that each patient is unique, and we tailor our treatment plans to suit individual needs. Contact us for a consultation or to schedule an appointment online. Your family’s oral health is our priority, and we look forward to making a positive difference in your dental care journey.
