Child Tooth Basics

These teeth are similar to our adult teeth except smaller (of course!!!).  Also, children don’t have as many teeth as adults.  Where adults have 32 teeth, children only have 20.  The descriptions listed below can also be found on the adult page.

Incisors:

These are the main teeth that are visible when we smile.  Children have four on top and four on the bottom.  They are used primarily for “incising” or cutting into food.  The two in the middle are known as the central incisors.  The outer two are referred to as the lateral incisors.

Canines:

Believe it or not, these are the longest teeth in the mouth (root included).  Located next to the lateral incisors, these teeth are the cornerstones of the mouth.  Canines are used for tearing or shearing food.  They are sharp and usually form a point at the tip.  Children have four canines, two on the top and two on the bottom.

Premolars:

Children do not have premolar teeth.  These teeth are only found in the adult dentition.

Molars:

Molars are the largest teeth in the mouth.  Children have 8 molars, 2 on each side on the top and bottom.  These teeth are used for chewing food.