Premolar facts for kids
Your mouth has different kinds of teeth, and each kind has a special job! Premolar teeth are a type of tooth found in mammals, including humans. They are located in your mouth between your pointy canine teeth and your larger molar teeth. Premolars are super important because they help you chew and prepare your food for swallowing.
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What Are Premolar Teeth?
Premolar teeth are also sometimes called bicuspids. This name comes from the fact that they usually have two main cusps, which are the pointy parts on top of the tooth. These teeth are a bit like smaller versions of your molars, which are the big grinding teeth at the back of your mouth.
Where Are Premolars Located?
In humans, you typically have eight premolar teeth in total. You have two on each side of your upper jaw and two on each side of your lower jaw. They sit right behind your canines and in front of your molars.
- Upper Jaw: Two premolars on the left, two on the right.
- Lower Jaw: Two premolars on the left, two on the right.
What Do Premolars Do?
The main job of your premolar teeth is to help you chew your food. They work together with your other teeth to break down what you eat into smaller, easier-to-swallow pieces.
- Crushing: After your front teeth (incisors and canines) bite and tear food, the premolars take over. They have a flatter surface than canines, which helps them crush and flatten food.
- Grinding: Once food is crushed, the premolars also help to grind it into a fine paste. This makes it easier for your stomach to digest. They act as a bridge between the tearing action of canines and the heavy grinding of molars.
Premolars in Different Animals
Not all mammals have the same number of premolar teeth. For example, some animals might have fewer premolars than humans, or they might have a different shape depending on what they eat. Animals that eat a lot of tough plants, like cows, have very strong and wide premolars and molars for grinding. Carnivores, like cats, have premolars that are sharper and more suited for slicing meat.
Images for kids
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Base of skull, interior surface
See also
In Spanish: Diente premolar para niños
