When you look in the mirror, you may notice that your teeth are different sizes and shapes. Each tooth plays a different role in helping you eat and speak. Dr. Foust can examine all 32 of your permanent teeth to make sure each one is clean, healthy, and functioning properly.
- Incisors: Your incisors are the eight teeth in the very front of your mouth. You have four incisors on the top of your mouth and four on the bottom. These teeth have flat, horizontal edges and are used for biting and cutting your food. Your tongue also often hits the back of your incisors to help form sounds like “th” when you speak.
- Canines: Next to your incisors are sharp, pointy teeth called canines, or cuspids. You have two canines on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are very strong and serve the purpose of tearing and ripping food. They are also generally longer than the rest of your teeth.
- Bicuspids: Your bicuspid teeth—also called premolars—are used for chewing your food. You have two bicuspids on the top and two on the bottom, on each side of your mouth (a total of eight). The bicuspids have a flat surface with ridges to help crush food.
- Molars: Your molars are your twelve back teeth—six on top and six on bottom. They are your strongest and widest teeth. They have a large, flat surface with deep ridges to help grind food and finish chewing before swallowing.
- Third Molars: Your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are your final four molars—one in each corner of your mouth—that erupt in the late teen years. They don’t have a distinct purpose and often have to be removed. Many people don’t have enough room for them to grow in correctly, creating pain, crowding, and other dental problems.
It’s important to take care of each tooth to maintain a beautiful appearance and healthy operation. When any of your teeth become infected with decay or broken, it may hinder your everyday normal functioning. Contact Dr. Foust to keep all your teeth strong. Call (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Foust at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA. We welcome patients from Ankeny, Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and surrounding communities.
