Adult humans typically have 32 permanent teeth. These include:
- 8 incisors (front teeth for cutting)
- 4 canines (pointed teeth for tearing)
- 8 premolars (for crushing and grinding)
- 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth, the third molars)
These 32 teeth are evenly divided with 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw
. However, the total number can vary because:
- Some people have their wisdom teeth removed, reducing the count to 28
- Some individuals are born with missing teeth (hypodontia) or extra teeth (hyperdontia)
- Tooth loss due to decay, disease, or trauma can also reduce the number
The full set of adult teeth usually emerges by the late teens to early twenties, with wisdom teeth appearing last between ages 17 and 21
