premolars
Between canines, molars
Premolars are the teeth located between the canines and molars, used for crushing and grinding food.
Adults typically have eight premolars, two on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
Also called bicuspids because they usually have two pointed cusps on their biting surface, premolars combine features of both canines and molars, serving as a transitional grinding surface.
The dentist said my premolars showed signs of wear from grinding.
Double-cusped grinding tooth
- enamelHard glossy coating
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
- rootUnderground absorbing structure
- cuspPoint of transition
dentin · pulp · cementum · gumline · jaw · occlusion · periodontal · alveolar
Flesh-shearing premolar or molar
- herbivorePlant-only consumer
- omnivoreEats plants and animals
- carnivoreCreature eating only animals
- mammalianOf the nursing class
dentition · jaw · skull · evolutionary · adaptation · diet · ungulate · primate
Empty space within
- fillingMaterial placed within
- extractionAct of removing
- dentalRelating to teeth
- hygienistOral care specialist
orthodontics · braces · plaque · tartar · decay · toothache · fluoride · sealant
Teeth-based food breakdown
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- bolusChewed food mass
saliva · tearing · shearing · fibrous · chewy · omnivore · herbivore
Violent sudden release
- deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
- primaryChief in importance
- permanentFixed without end
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
succession · childhood · adolescence · shedding · replacement
bicuspid
Double-cusped grinding tooth
cusp · dentin · pulp · cementum · gumline · jaw · occlusion · periodontal · alveolar · mandibular
carnassial
Flesh-shearing premolar or molar
mammalian · dentition · jaw · skull · evolutionary · adaptation · diet · ungulate · primate · rodent
cavity
Empty space within
- fillingMaterial placed within
- extractionAct of removing
- dentalRelating to teeth
hygienist · orthodontics · braces · plaque · tartar · decay · toothache · fluoride · sealant · impaction
mastication
Teeth-based food breakdown
bolus · saliva · tearing · shearing · fibrous · chewy · omnivore · herbivore
eruption
Violent sudden release
exfoliation · succession · childhood · adolescence · shedding · replacement