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Looking for some information on teeth numbers?
Welcome to our easy, exciting, and detailed guide on teeth numbers. Below you can learn about oral anatomy, teeth numbers, and the names used by dentists for your teeth.
This article will help you understand the basic structure of your teeth, so when you visit your dentist, at least you can confidently ask what tooth number needs treatment.
Fig. 1
Many dental patients experience difficulty understanding the documents and instructions that their dentists share during the treatment. This is because most oral professionals use ADA codes for naming and numbering the teeth and abbreviated procedures in the treatment plan. It can be a complex task for a layperson to grasp.
We want you to take good care of your mouth and teeth. So, let’s begin with the basics – teeth numbers and names.
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show how the teeth are numbered going clockwise, their names, and their distribution in an Upper, Lower, and Right Left fashion.
Fig. 2
Adult Teeth Numbers Chart
Most people are only familiar with the basic names of teeth, such as incisor, molar, or wisdom tooth. At the dental clinic, human teeth are presented by their numbers, and each tooth is named differently.
A tooth chart can help you understand them.
But what is a tooth chart?
A teeth chart is a simple drawing or illustration of your teeth with names, numbers, and types of teeth.
There are separate teeth number charts for adults as well as babies. This diagram helps us learn the names of each tooth, the corresponding number, and their location. While brushing or searching for cavities, knowing about teeth numbers can help you identify and explain issues to your dentist.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about their mouth structure and teeth to keep track of any dental problems can use this chart. You know what else you can do. Take a printout of the tooth number chart and hang it on the door of your child’s room and share this useful knowledge with them.
Fig. 3
Maxillary and Mandibular Arches
As you can see in Fig. 3, the Universal Tooth Designation System by ADA outlines the adult permanent 32 teeth in a clockwise rotation as seen by your dentist. The top teeth, numbered 1-16, are on the upper jaw, which is also known as the maxillary arch. This means that the teeth on your upper jaw – at the back of your mouth – towards your right hand are your first tooth, your right wisdom tooth, or 3rd molar.
Teeth numbers 17-32 are in the mandibular arch or simply your lower jaw.
Anterior and Posterior Teeth
The front, anterior, or teeth are the following:
Top: 6-11
Bottom: 22-27
The posterior or back teeth have four quadrants and contain the following teeth:
Top: 1-5 and 12-16
Bottom: 17-21 and 28-32
Fig. 4
Dental Teeth Numbers
- Teeth numbers 1, 16, 17, and 32 are your wisdom teeth (3rd Molars).
- The teeth numbered 30 and 31 are your lower right molars.
- If you want to give your smile a new look with dental veneers (Fig. 4), your cosmetic dentist will enhance the most visible teeth in your mouth that always come out when you smile. These are teeth numbers 6 – 11 on the upper jaw and 22 – 27 on the lower jaw.
- The cuspids (canine teeth or eye teeth) are the pointiest of your teeth, with numbers 6, 11, 22, and 27.
- Behind the canines lie the bicuspids (or premolars). The bicuspids have numbers 4, 5, 12, 13 (upper jaw) and 20, 21, 28, 29 (lower jaw).
Why Is A Tooth Chart Important?
- The teeth chart is an essential tool for dental health communication, ensuring that all patients receive the same standard of care. Providing a common language among dentists helps make research and diagnosis more effective and consistent across the profession.
- With a simplified tooth numbering system, patients can gain insight into their dental health and become empowered to take steps toward maintaining a healthy smile.
- With a careful examination of teeth growth and development, dentists can gain insight into diagnosing and treating oral health issues.
Using The Tooth Numbering System For Your Benefit
To maximize your dental health, it’s important to ensure that all teeth are getting their just attention during toothbrushing. Dental professionals suggest breaking the maxillary and mandibular arches into quadrants as a smart way to target each individual tooth in turn for thorough brushing. With this strategy, you can effectively brush every corner of your mouth with ease!
For shiny, healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to practice proper dental hygiene. Begin brushing your teeth, starting with the right side of your upper set, teeth numbered 1-8; then continue in a clockwise direction until all eight are complete. Similarly, when flossing, start at tooth number 32 on the lower right corner – but this time, work counterclockwise back up towards topmost tooth number 1.
Tooth Numbering and Names, Organized Clockwise:
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The dental numbering system allows dentists to easily track their patients’ oral health, educate children on the importance of keeping their smile clean, and properly diagnose and treat any potential issues with teeth. At Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics, we understand that many people have questions about this useful tool– if you would like to learn more or set up an appointment feel free to contact us today!
About the Company
At Rodeo Dental, we believe that everyone should have access to top-notch dental care. Our full range of services – including preventive, general, and cosmetic offerings – are provided under one roof by our committed team to help you achieve optimal health while enhancing your smile! Not only do we prioritize patient wellness through oral treatments, but we also provide nutritional advice and fitness tips for your complete well-being.
