Reviewer for Oral Anatomy in the Dentist Licensure Examination.
1
Types of Teeth
| Tooth | Function | Count (adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | Cutting | 8 |
| Canines | Tearing | 4 |
| Premolars | Crushing | 8 |
| Molars | Grinding | 12 |
💡 Exam Hack
Adults have 32 permanent teeth; children have 20 deciduous (milk) teeth.
2
Tooth Structure
From outside in: enamel (hardest tissue), dentin, and pulp (nerves & vessels). The root is covered by cementum and anchored by the periodontal ligament.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Enamel is the hardest substance in the body but has NO living cells — it cannot repair itself once decayed.
3
Dental Arches & Numbering
Teeth are arranged in the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) arches. Common systems: the Universal, Palmer, and FDI two-digit numbering.
4
Dental Formula
Permanent: 2-1-2-3 per quadrant (I-C-P-M) = 32 teeth
Primary: 2-1-0-2 per quadrant = 20 teeth
Primary: 2-1-0-2 per quadrant = 20 teeth
💡 Exam Hack
Children have no premolars — that is the key difference from the adult formula.
📌 Quick Recap — Master These
Before your exam, make sure you can confidently explain and apply each of the following:
- Types of Teeth
- Tooth Structure
- Dental Arches & Numbering
- Dental Formula
Re-read any section above where you hesitate.