Robert B. Ruyak, DMD

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Teeth Types and Functions

Have you ever tried to count all of the teeth in your mouth? If you’re an adult, we hope that you counted at least 32! Children and adults have different sets of teeth and although the numbers may be different, we all have the same types. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD thought it would be fun to inform his patients about the different types of teeth and the purpose they serve in your mouth. Read on to learn more! 



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

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