Teeth are a vital part of the human body. On average, adults have 32 teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth, and children have 20 teeth. They help with biting, chewing, and digesting food. Teeth also help with word pronunciation. 

Teeth are made of different parts. Each part plays an important role.

The main parts of teeth are:

• Crown 
• Neck
• Root 
• Enamel 
• Dentin
• Pulp 
• Nerves and blood vessels 

Crown 

The crown is the top part of the tooth. Teeth have different shaped crowns, which enable them to carry out different functions. 

Neck

The neck is located between the crown and the root.

Root

The root is the part of the tooth that holds it in place as it extends into the bone.

Enamel

The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth. 

Dentin

The dentin is the layer beneath the enamel. It makes up the majority of the tooth structure. 

Pulp

The pulp is the soft tissue consisting of the nerves and blood vessels. It is found in the center of the tooth. 

There are 4 types of teeth. Teeth play an important role in helping with biting, chewing and digesting food. Teeth are of different shapes and sizes. The reason for this is that they have different functions. 

The 4 types of teeth are:

• Incisors 
• Canines 
• Premolars
• Molars 

Incisors

Humans have 8 incisors – 4 on the top jaw and 4 on the bottom jaw. Incisors are located at the front. They have a flat heads which are used to bite into food and cut it into smaller pieces. 

Canines

Humans have 4 canines – 2 on the top jaw and 2 on the bottom jaw. These are located on either side of the incisors. Canines are pointed and sharper than incisors. They are used to tear and rip tough food, for example meat. 

Premolars 

Humans have 4 premolars – 2 on the top jaw and 2 on the bottom jaw. These are located on either side of the canines. Premolars are broad teeth used to crush and tear food. 

Molars 

Humans have 12 molars – 6 on the top jaw and 6 on the bottom jaw. These are located on either side of the premolars. Molars are broader than premolars and are used to crush and grind food.