Most adults have 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth.
If all four wisdom teeth are removed, the number of adult teeth is 28.
Babies and children have fewer teeth than adults.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
It is also possible to have more than 32 teeth.
This includes your four incisors, two canines, four premolars, and two or three molars.
Your wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to come in.
They are located in the very back of the mouth, with two on each jaw.
The wisdom teeth can grow properly and never cause any pain or problems.
“Hyperdontia” is the medical term for having extra teeth, which are calledsupernumerary teeth.
You may have one extra tooth or several.
Hyperdontia typically doesnt require treatment.
But a dentist may recommend pulling any extra teeth if they interfere with your oral health.
The condition is hereditary and can be passed down from parent to child.
Treatments includebridges,dentures, anddental implants.
Teeth can be undersized or narrowly shaped.
With oligodontia, primary teeth are sometimes retained while permanent teeth are coming in.
Children Have Fewer Teeth
Children have just 20 teeth called primary, temporary, or milk teeth.
They have 10 on each jaw.These include four incisors, two canines, and four molars.
The primary teeth start to erupt through the gums when a baby is about 6 months old.
Maintaining Healthy Adult Teeth Health
Maintaining and keeping your teeth requires a lifetime of care.
Summary
You have two complete sets of teeth over your lifetime.
Your teeth are essential for biting and grinding up food.
A complete set includes 16 teeth on your bottom jaw and 16 on your upper jaw.
It is also possible for wisdom to not ever develop, which is common and does not cause problems.
Children tend to have fewer teeth than adults.
If you take care of your teeth, they can last your entire life.
It is also a good idea to protect your teeth from injury and not smoke.
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