Did you know that every tooth has a name and number? And did you know that every tooth in your mouth can be uniquely identified by its name and number? It’s true! Knowing this system will make it easier to understand your next dental exam, which will make it easier to know what type of treatment you may need, which will make it easier to understand your insurance coverage, which will make the process of dental care much less scary and confusing. Let’s take a look at how to identify teeth numbers and names so that the next time you visit the dentist, you’ll be ready!
Do you know your teeth numbers and names?
The name of each tooth is printed on it. We learned about teeth numbers and names when we were in school, but some of us might have forgotten them during our adult lives. Also, we didn’t use these names in a long time. This information can be helpful if you ever need to find an emergency dentist or a replacement for your missing tooth because you broke or lost it. Now, there are not many people who realize that a lot of us do not know all teeth numbers and names. That’s why I decided to share my knowledge with others in order to help them save time and prevent confusion when they are looking for professional help.
What is the tooth numbering system used in dentistry?
The tooth numbering system used in dentistry is called Crone’s numbering system. Teeth are numbered by both their anatomical position and their clinical function. For example, in a quadrant system (four teeth per arch), teeth in each quadrant would be assigned a number: 1 = upper right (maxillary) lateral incisor, 2 = upper right (maxillary) central incisor, 3 = upper right first premolar, 4 = upper right second premolar and so on until all four quadrants have been numbered.
The anterior teeth number 1 to 8
- incisors; 2. canine; 3. premolar; 4. bicuspid; 5. molar . The posterior teeth number 9 to 16: 9. wisdom tooth (third molar); 10. first premolar; 11. second premolar; 12. first molar; 13. second molar; 14. third molar (wisdom tooth). And, if you need help remembering, just remember that M is for Molars and W is for Wisdom!
The outer incisors are 1-3 (or 4)
The top 4 teeth are called incisors and they’re used for biting into and cutting food. The front two teeth on each side of your mouth are known as canines (1-2) and they help in grabbing, tearing, and piercing. Next are your premolars (3-12), which are a mix of molars and bicuspids that come after your second set of molars. And finally you have your fourth set of molars (13-24). They’re hard to chew and very fragile, so avoid grinding them down too much when brushing! If you feel like brushing is taking forever, consider going to a dental hygienist at least once a year for a professional cleaning.
The lateral incisors are 5-6 (or 7)
The numbering system doesn’t apply to incisors, which are one-unit teeth: The lateral incisors are 5 and 6, or sometimes 7. The central incisors are 7 and 8. The first premolars are 9 and 10, and third premolars 11-12. Second premolars can have either a number (9) or a letter (m), depending on if they’re being replaced by wisdom teeth. There is no numbering system for teeth by number—they’re just 1-2. All molars follow the same pattern: 13s, 14s, 15s etc., counting from left to right across your mouth.
Posterior teeth number 9 to 32
The last molars, also called wisdom teeth, are at number 9 and 10. Then come numbers 11 to 14 – incisors (the four teeth in between). Then come canines, or eyeteeth: numbers 15 and 16. Next are premolars: 17 to 20, followed by number 21 – our first molar. The lower teeth continue from there: 22 is a second molar, 23 is a third molar, 24 is a fourth molar and 25 through 32 are your third molars (wisdom teeth).
The canines are 9-10, sometimes 11 or 12 (1st molars)
These are called eye teeth. They are large in size and shaped like fangs. Because they grow so quickly, they can sometimes erupt out of line with a person’s other teeth and need to be straightened (orthodontia). However, canine teeth have always had a purpose. In prehistoric times, when man still lived in caves, he would chew on bones for sustenance. The canine teeth helped break down these bones into digestible pieces. Today humans consume less bone but still have cuspids (canines) that help us chew our food thoroughly before swallowing it. Without them, we might choke on our food or not absorb nutrients effectively.
2nd molars = 13, 14, 15, 16 (sometimes 17 & 18)
The last 2 molars, located at the very back of your mouth on either side, are technically called wisdom teeth. But because there are so many other molars before them, they’re often called by their numbers: wisdom teeth or third molars. When you have your wisdom teeth removed and then get new crowns on all of your remaining natural teeth (upper and lower), you have full dentures. The average age for having a complete set of adult teeth is 21; some people don’t get them until their 30s or even later. Interestingly enough, kids who have all 20 baby teeth removed sometimes develop more gum disease than those with a few permanent ones left in place!
The premolars are 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21 (sometimes 22 & 23)
) But if I ever want to work in a dental clinic, I might be told that what I call it is not correct. For example, in UK and Australia, they number all teeth starting from 1st premolar on both sides of jaws as: #1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32. So for them my second premolar would be called 11 instead of 17. Always check which system your dentist uses! It’s really confusing! 🙂 ~~~ It’s very hard to remember tooth numbering system especially when you have multiple teeth missing. That why many dentists recommend using Staflex tooth chart ! Do you know about it?
The second premolar can be named either way. Some people call it lazy molar (17), some people call it wisdom tooth (20). There is no correct answer. Both are widely used. It’s personal preference. I personally have my second premolar as my wisdom tooth.
) I think that makes it easier to remember because whenever you look at your teeth and check for wisdom tooth coming out (or, in my case, not), then you are actually referring to your second premolar. Both ways work perfectly well! However, if you want to know more about first premolars and name them with numbers or letters, there is a post about it too! You can find it here!
