Teeth Types
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 7.3.2
Human Teeth
Teeth are used for mechanical digestion in humans. The human jaw contains teeth which all have the same basic structure, but have different shapes for different functions.
Incisors
- Incisors are sharp with flat edges. They are found in the middle of the upper and lower jaws.
- They are for cutting through food.
Canines
- Canines are pointed and next to the incisors in the jaw.
- They are for tearing food.
Premolars and molars
- These have a broader surface, are ridged and teeth on the upper and lower jaws meet. The premolars are next to the canines, and then the molars are found at the back of the mouth.
- They are for grinding and crushing food.