Teeth names (Latin)

Overview of the dentes permanentes with all 32 teeth: 16 dentes maxillares/superiores and 16 dentes mandibulares/inferiores. There are 8 teeth in each quadrant where each tooth has a different function based on their anatomy. There are 8 dentes incisivi in total, (4 maxillary and 4 mandibular), in the front and center of the mouth which are often described as chisel-shaped. These teeth function to cut or bite into food. The dentes canini number 4 in total, 1 in each quadrant, each bearing a sharp cusp used to tear food (especially fibrous foods such as meat), giving them their pointed appearance. The dentes premolares are 8 in number (2 in each quadrant) and are used to help canines to tear food. These teeth also have occlusal surfaces which help with the grinding of food. The dentes molares are the largest members of the dentition; they consist of 12 teeth (3 in each quadrant) which are used to crush and grind food due to their larger occlusal (chewing) surfaces. The dentes premolars and molars are often described as large, rectangular, diamond-shaped teeth.