How Many Teeth Do Humans Have

Key Takeaways

Life Stages of Teeth: Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their life: 20 baby teeth that appear starting around six months and 32 adult teeth, including wisdom teeth that may emerge in the late teens or twenties.
Composition of Adult Teeth: The full set of adult teeth consists of eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and twelve molars, which includes four wisdom teeth, although the actual number can vary due to wisdom teeth removal.
Conditions Affecting Tooth Count: Conditions like anodontia, hypodontia, supernumerary teeth, cleft lip and palate, and ectodermal dysplasia can alter the typical number of teeth, affecting both appearance and dental function.
Variation in Wisdom Teeth: Adults typically have four wisdom teeth, but not everyone develops all four. Some have fewer, and others may have more than four, known as supernumerary teeth.
Types of Teeth and Their Functions: Humans have various teeth types designed for specific functions: incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, premolars for crushing, and molars for grinding food, with wisdom teeth being a type of molar that emerges last.

How Many Teeth Do We Have?

Humans typically have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: baby teeth and adult teeth. Children have 20 baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, which start to appear around six months of age.

Adults have 32 teeth, which include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

The full set of adult teeth usually includes four wisdom teeth, which might not emerge until the late teens or early twenties.

Some adults may have fewer teeth if the wisdom teeth are removed or never develop.

How many teeth do babies have?

Babies typically have 20 baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth. These teeth usually start to emerge around six months of age and continue to appear until about three years of age.

The set of baby teeth includes incisors, canines, and molars, which are essential for chewing and speaking as they grow.

How many teeth do adults have?

Adults typically have 32 teeth in their full set of adult teeth. This count includes eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and twelve molars, which encompass four wisdom teeth. However, the actual number may vary if wisdom teeth are removed or never develop.

How many teeth do adults have on top?

Adults typically have 16 teeth on the top part of their mouth as part of a full set of adult teeth. This includes four incisors, two canines, four premolars, and six molars, which include two wisdom teeth on the top, if they are present.

How many wisdom teeth do adults have?

Adults typically have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth at the back. These are the last teeth to emerge, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties.

Still, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth; some may have fewer, and in rare cases, some individuals may develop more than four, known as supernumerary teeth

Conditions That Affect The Number of Teeth

Several conditions can affect the number of teeth a person has, impacting both the appearance and function of their teeth. These include:

Anodontia and Hypodontia

These are genetic conditions where a person is born with one or more teeth missing. Hypodontia refers to the absence of a few teeth, while anodontia is a rare condition where all teeth are missing.

Supernumerary Teeth:

This condition involves having extra teeth beyond the normal 32 in adults. These additional teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth but are most common in the regions of the molars and incisors.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Individuals with cleft lip and/or palate may experience a higher incidence of missing or extra teeth, particularly near the cleft area.

Ectodermal Dysplasia

This is a group of disorders affecting the development of the ectodermal tissues, including teeth. It can result in fewer teeth, and those that do develop may be small or poorly formed.

Dental Trauma or Extraction

Teeth lost due to injury or required tooth extractions for dental treatment can alter the total number of teeth. This includes wisdom teeth removal, which is a common preventative measure to avoid crowding or impaction.

What Are the Types of Teeth People Have?

People have several types of teeth, each designed for specific functions in eating and speaking. These include:

Incisors: The eight front teeth, four on the top and four on the bottom, are used for cutting and slicing food. They have sharp edges that make them ideal for this purpose.
Canines: Located next to the incisors, four canine teeth (two on the top and two on the bottom) have pointed tips and are used for tearing and grasping food.
Premolars: Also known as bicuspids, these eight teeth (four on the top and four on the bottom) are situated next to the canines. Premolars have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are used for crushing and grinding food.
Molars: Including the wisdom teeth, there are twelve molars in adults, with six on the top and six on the bottom. These are the back teeth used for grinding and chewing food, thanks to their large, flat surfaces.
Wisdom Teeth: These are the last to emerge, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Adults typically have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth at the back. They are a type of molar.

Do we have 32 or 28 teeth?

Adults typically have 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth are absent—whether due to non-development or extraction—the usual number is 28. This count encompasses the full complement of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, essential for a complete adult dentition.

Does 32 teeth include wisdom teeth?

Yes, the number 32 does include wisdom teeth. Adults typically have four wisdom teeth as part of their full set of 32 teeth. These are counted along with the incisors, canines, premolars, and other molars.

Do humans have 52 teeth?

No, humans do not have 52 teeth. Typically, adults have 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth, while children have 20 primary or baby teeth. A count of 52 teeth would far exceed the normal human dental formula.

Is it normal to have 24 teeth?

Having 24 teeth is less common but can be normal for some adults, especially if wisdom teeth and some molars or premolars are absent due to non-development, extraction, or dental conditions like hypodontia. Each individual’s dental profile can vary based on genetic factors and dental health history.