The Purpose Teeth Serve

Your teeth are not in your mouth for the sole purpose of looking attractive in pictures. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene can lead to other health problems in the future. This is why it’s important to visit our staff at Bayberry Dental Care twice a year for oral checkups. If you’ve ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS would like to explain further. Read on to learn about the different types of teeth and the purpose they serve in your mouth! 

• 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 teeth, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.