Mapping your Mouth

Have you ever wondered what is really going on inside your mouth? Well now it is time to find out. On your dental visits, you may hear your dentist call your teeth by specific names such as molars or incisors. Today, we are here to tell you what’s what in your mouth so you understand what your dentist is talking about.

If you take a look at the diagram below from Phoenix Children’s Hospital,  you can see where all of the different teeth are located in your mouth and around what age the teeth come in.  For more information on what each tooth is about see more information below.












First, you have your central or lateral incisors. There are four incisors on each jaw, or in other words four on the top and four on the bottom. These teeth generally come in first and appear at the front of your mouth. Incisors are especially fitted for cutting your food as it enters your mouth.

Right after the incisors, you have your canine teeth. Canine teeth are also called cuspids, and these are the fang like teeth that are sharp and pointed. The purpose of these teeth is to help hold on to and tear food apart. One fun fact is that these teeth are often one of the largest teeth.

Finally, we have your molars. These are the teeth located at the back of your mouth used for grinding food. These teeth normally take the longest to come in and mature.

Keep in mind, this diagram is not always the same for everyone. We are all unique and different. Some people may have more of less teeth than others. However, generally this is what most of our mouths look like!