
Some are bothered by the sensory issues, such as the noise of the drill or the smell of the tools, while others are concerned about pain. People have all sorts of reasons for feeling uncomfortable when they are at the dentist. Though it isn’t necessary to know the tooth names and numbers to care for them properly, it can help you feel better about visiting the dentist. Why Should You Learn Teeth Names and Numbers? Keep in mind, the numbers and names on the chart pertaining to the dentist’s perspective, so you’ll need to reverse everything if you’re thinking about your own mouth. When a dentist is working with a dental assistant or hygienist, instead of having to specify a molar on the right bottom, they can simply say 18 or 19. In a more organized chart, teeth numbers and names for each permanent tooth are as follows:Īs you can see, the names of the teeth are the same on the left and right sides and top and bottom, so that’s why it’s important to also number the teeth. Your “eye” teeth, which are also known as the canines and are the teeth that are long and pointy for vampires are teeth six, 11, 22, and 27. Your front teeth that are most visible are teeth six through 11 on the top of your mouth and 22 through 26 on the bottom. This means teeth one through 16 are on the top half and teeth 17 through 32 are on the bottom of the mouth.Īs determined by the chart, your wisdom teeth are teeth one, 16, 17, and 32.

The chart works in a clockwise fashion from the dentist’s perspective. The numbering system is structured around the 32 permanent teeth in an adult mouth. In addition to these general terms, dentists also address teeth by numbers. When your hygienist explains brushing and flossing techniques, they’ll likely use some of these terms and if you find them confusing you can ask for more clarification at that time. You either learned these in health class or over the years during your dental health visits. The average person knows the basic names for their teeth: wisdom, incisors, and molars. Dentists and other dental health professionals learn these terms while they are studying for their careers. Teeth are named based on the codes and abbreviations created by the American Dental Association. “Learning tooth numbers can not only help you feel more empowered in understanding your dental care, it can help you more accurately describe issues with your teeth to your dentist.” The guide below can help you make sense of all the crazy terms used when you’re undergoing a dental exam and treatment. Understanding the tooth numbers and names associated with your teeth can not only take the mystery out of your dental health care, it can help you feel more at ease during your appointments. Think about it: with all the teeth in your mouth and everyone else’s mouth, how efficient would it be for dentists to call teeth “this one” or “that one” when creating a dental care plan?

This is because each permanent tooth has a special name and tooth number that make it easier for dental health professionals to identify and have conversations about them.

It sometimes sounds as if they are speaking a different language, even though they are talking about your body parts! The same is true if you hear your dentist and the dental assistant talking about tooth decay and using tooth numbers during a treatment. We’ve all heard of molars and incisors, but if you’ve received a dental treatment plan from your dentist or you looked at your X-rays while at the dental office, you might be curious what it all means.
