What is the tooth number?
Why do we need to number the teeth?
In order to better understand dental care, to read dental treatment quotes, to know the names associated with teeth and to be comfortable during dental appointments, you need to know the tooth number for each tooth . Whether it is to pull a tooth, to take an x-ray of a specific tooth or to go to a surgeon, the dentist will not point to the tooth to be treated with his finger and will not mark it with a pen, he will note the tooth number and given the number of teeth it is better to know them .
This article will help you understand dental anatomy a little better. We have written an article that covers the different aspects of tooth anatomy right here: tooth anatomy .

A short video to understand the number of teeth:
Incisors: (8 incisors)
- Upper right: 11 and 12
- Upper left: 21 and 22
- Lower right: 41 and 42
- Lower left 31 and 32
Canines: (4 canines)
- Upper right: 13
- Upper left: 23
- Lower right: 43
- Lower left: 33
Premolars: (8 premolars)
- Upper right: 14 and 15
- Upper left: 24 and 25
- Lower right: 44 and 45
- Lower left: 34 and 35
Molars: (8 molars)
- Upper right: 16 and 17
- Upper left: 26 and 27
- Lower right: 46 and 47
- Lower left: 36 and 37
Wisdom teeth: (4 wisdom teeth)
- Upper right: 18
- Upper left: 28
- Lower right: 48
- Lower left: 38
The tooth numbering system varies from country to country; the model above is the one used in France.
A tooth number to find your way around!!
The different international tooth numbering systems to understand tooth numbers
- FDI Dental Numbering
The FDI (International Dental Federation) has given teeth an international numbering system to facilitate communication. This is the most widely used tooth numbering system. The dentition is composed of 4 quadrants: 2 for the upper teeth (upper right semi-arch and upper left semi-arch) and 2 for the lower teeth (lower right semi-arch and lower left semi-arch). The teeth on each quadrant are numbered from 1 to 8, starting from the middle to the back. Thus, each tooth in each quadrant is numbered: 1 for the central incisor, 2 for the lateral incisor, 3 for the canine, 4 for the first premolar, 5 for the second premolar, 6 for the first molar (6-year-old tooth), 7 for the second molar (12-year-old tooth), and 8 for the third molar (wisdom tooth). The numbering is 2 digits: the first for the dial and the second for the tooth itself.
- Palmer Dental Numbering
This tooth numbering system is similar to the FDI system. The mouth is divided into four parts: the upper right semi-arch, the upper left semi-arch, the lower left semi-arch, and the lower right semi-arch.
- Universal Dental Numbering (USA) the simplest way to understand tooth numbers
This tooth numbering system is easier to understand because it starts with 1 on the upper right side and ends with 32 on the lower right side.
Understanding the anatomy of teeth and their numbers
The tooth includes the enamel, which reveals the color of the underlying dentin, the dentin supporting the enamel, the gum protecting the teeth, the pulp giving the teeth vitality and sensitivity, the root, which is the part in the bone, the apex, which is the open end of the root allowing passage to blood vessels and nerves, and the alveolar bone containing the teeth and forming a body with the maxillary and mandibular bones. The teeth are involved in chewing, the sound production system, and the expression of feelings. The incisors are used for cutting, the canines for shredding, the premolars and molars for grinding and crushing.
For proper dental care, brush your teeth at least twice a day, visit the dentist once a year, and change your toothbrush every three months. For better dental hygiene, we invite you to discover Caliquo's French-made toothbrushes. In addition to contributing to your oral hygiene, they also protect the environment because they are eco-friendly and can be used for years. They have a wooden handle with an interchangeable head.
Discovering our dental chart
A concept used by dentists, a dental chart is the numbering of permanent teeth. It makes it easy to locate the tooth(s) in the mouth that needs treatment. It has been around for several years and serves various roles for healthcare professionals. For patients, a dental chart helps them understand treatment estimates.
Teething
Until the age of 6, the dental pattern is very different; a child has 20 baby teeth spread over 4 quadrants of 5 teeth. As an adult, he or she has 32 permanent teeth spread over 4 quadrants of 8 teeth. Each quadrant is numbered from 1 to 8, starting from the middle to the back. For an adult, the number of central incisors ends with 1, that of lateral incisors with 2, that of canines with 3, that of permanent premolars and molars with 4 and 5, and that of permanent molars with 6, 7, and 8. For a child under 6, there is the central incisor, the lateral incisor, the canine, the 1st molar, and the 2nd molar. The wisdom tooth is the 3rd molar, and it ends in 8. It is from this distribution that the dental chart appeared, and it gives each tooth a number (baby tooth or permanent tooth). The numbering is 2 digits, the first is the dial, and the second is the position of the tooth in relation to the center. In the absence of a tooth germ or agenesis, the tooth chart is modified in the normal chronology, this is also the case when some baby teeth are never replaced. On average, between 6 and 12 years, baby and permanent teeth coexist together, and during this period, the dental chart considers the type of tooth to be identified in the numbering.
The importance of dental charting
The dental chart is universal because, to date, it is the easiest and safest way to identify a tooth. A tool for traceability, security, and comfort, it is essential for oral health professionals in the exchange of information, but also for insurance companies, social security, mutual insurance companies, etc. Indeed, it helps avoid misunderstandings and minimize errors in written and verbal communications. Apart from the ethical obligation, the dental chart is established for each new patient. Its interest is multiple: the identification of victims, the settlement of disputes between the patient and the practitioner, proof for practitioners in the event of an expert appraisal, etc. For patients, it is a history of previous dental care. The dental chart is read from the front while looking at the patient.
Now that you know everything about tooth structure and numbering, choose the best toothbrush for your oral health. Look no further, because Caliquo has what you need. It's a French brand that cares about your health and the planet. It offers toothbrushes with interchangeable heads and bioplastic handles. These handcrafted products are durable, eco-friendly, and reusable.
But what is the tooth diagram?
The dental diagram , also called an odontogram, represents an overview of the dentition. It is necessary to simplify the understanding of teeth and to better see the location of treatments proposed by a dentist or hygienist. Due to its universal aspect, the dental diagram is also essential for the exchange of information with colleagues, mutual insurance companies, Social Security, insurance companies, etc.
What is a tooth?
Teeth perform several important functions in our daily lives. A tooth is an organ composed of a visible part, the crown, and an invisible part, the root. It is made up of three tissues: enamel, dentin, and pulp.
- Enamel : This is the layer surrounding the outer part of the tooth; it is the hardest tissue in the human body. Its function is to protect the tooth from external aggressions.
- Dentin : It is located between the enamel and the pulp. It is a hard tissue crossed by a network of tubules communicating with the nerve of the tooth.
- The pulp : This is the central part of the tooth. This is where the nerves and blood vessels that innervate and supply the tooth are located.
The number of teeth
From 6 months to 6 years, children only have baby teeth, but from the age of 14, they begin to have permanent teeth, except for wisdom teeth, which arrive late. Normally, each individual has 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth, but sometimes these are missing. In an adult, each jaw has 4 incisors with a straight edge for grabbing or cutting food, 2 pointed canines for shredding, 4 premolars and 6 molars with multiple points for crushing food, and 2 wisdom teeth. Incisors and canines have a single root, while premolars and molars have multiple roots. For years, each tooth has been given an international number, and this numbering gives a tooth diagram .
The tooth diagram
The tooth diagram represents all the teeth, temporary teeth and permanent teeth in a person's mouth. We can see that it is divided into 4 quadrants (2 for the upper teeth and 2 for the lower teeth). Each quadrant is numbered from 1 to 8, starting from the middle to the end. On each quadrant we find a central incisor, a lateral incisor, a canine, a first molar, a second molar, a first molar (6-year tooth), a second molar (12-year tooth) and a third molar (wisdom tooth). The numbering is 2 digits, the first is the quadrant, and the second is the tooth itself.
To prevent tooth decay, have good breath, and enjoy good oral hygiene, wouldn't it be better to give your entire family the best toothbrushes? Caliquo is your partner with its durable, reusable toothbrushes with interchangeable heads and handles made of environmentally friendly, tooth-friendly bioplastic.
If you would like to have the diagram for yourself, find the dental diagram to print on the internet.
The Canine Tooth
Canines are sharp teeth with cutting edges. They are used to shred food.
Canines are positioned between premolars and incisors and appear on average between 16 and 22 months.
Adult Teeth
How many teeth does an adult have?
The adult dentition contains 32 teeth, most people reach their adult number during their teenage years.
And what are the names of the teeth?
Adult teeth are divided into 2, at the top and bottom of the jaw.
- Upper teeth: 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, 4 molars and 2 wisdom teeth.
- Lower teeth: 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, 4 molars and 2 wisdom teeth.
Teenagers have 28 teeth and four wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can begin to erupt around age 16, but some people don't.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Sometimes wisdom teeth need to be removed due to lack of space to avoid damaging other teeth. They may also be extracted to prevent infection if they are not growing normally.
Children's teething
A child's first baby tooth arrives around the age of 6 months and the last around the age of 13. These baby teeth are what will allow him to speak and chew. It is also important to know that even if they are destined to fall out, it is important to take care of them from the beginning to create a brushing habit as soon as the child's teeth appear. The first baby teeth that will erupt are the front teeth called: the incisors
How many teeth does a child have?
A child will have about 20 teeth at the age of 3. And, it is from the age of 6 that he will start to see a tooth that moves and therefore to lose little by little these baby teeth for adult teeth. When your child is 6/7 years old , he will have at that time 24 teeth.
And in children, what are the names of teeth?
- Upper teeth: 4 incisors, 2 canines and 4 baby molars
- Lower teeth: 4 incisors, 2 canines and 4 baby molars
What are happy teeth?
A "lucky tooth" or "happy tooth" is a gap between two adjacent teeth called a diastema. This gap is most commonly located between the two upper gums. A lucky tooth doesn't pose any health problems. It can just be aesthetically annoying, in which case you can ask an orthodontist to tighten it. But be aware that a lucky tooth can be a seductive asset, it's up to you ;)
How many roots do teeth have?
The root is the part of the tooth that is located in the bone. Over time, the crown of the tooth will move closer to the surface of the bone.
Regarding the number of roots in teeth, canines have the largest single root, while premolars have between one and two roots; it is rare for them to have three. As for molars, the chewing teeth, they generally have three roots.
Zoom in on the incisor tooth
The incisor tooth is a type of tooth located in the oral cavity and whose function is to cut the food we eat.
Humans have a total of eight incisor teeth distributed across the top and bottom of their dentition:
- 2 central incisors and 2 lateral incisors in the upper part of the jaw.
- 2 central incisors and 2 lateral incisors in the lower part of the jaw
The first teeth you'll see appear are the incisors. Incisors play a very important role in the aesthetics of your teeth.
Do you know how many teeth you have? Well, keep reading if you don't!
Human teeth
Human teeth are made of bone and enamel. The inside of the tooth is covered with a protective layer of enamel that helps keep it strong and healthy.
Teeth are designed to chew food, just like scissors cut paper or a knife cuts meat. They do this by cutting and crushing food into small pieces that our bodies can easily digest.
Teeth also help us speak! When we speak, air passes over our tongue and reaches our lips through small holes in our front teeth, called "frenums." When we pronounce certain sounds (like "s," "t," "d," or "th"), the air passes through these holes in the frenum and produces sounds very different from those that would have passed through the lips unreflected.
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth?
Did you know that we have two sets of teeth?
-
The first set is called baby teeth (dee-cuh-joo-us), or primary teeth. They begin developing while you're still in your mother's womb and continue to grow until they fall out, making way for the second set.
-
The second set of teeth is called permanent teeth. They grow behind the primary teeth, pushing them forward until they fall out, leaving a regular row of permanent teeth behind them.
The first set of teeth are called baby teeth, or primary teeth.
Baby teeth are called primary teeth or baby teeth. They help your child chew and bite and are important for speech. Baby teeth are smaller and more fragile than adult teeth, making them more prone to cavities.
Baby teeth can appear as early as 6 months of age, but most often between 1 and 2 years of age. After the age of 5, baby teeth begin to fall out, giving way to the buds of permanent adult teeth under the gums, which will permanently replace them in the late teens or early twenties (or even later).
A permanent tooth will emerge under each baby tooth and push it outward.
During the first few years, baby teeth will replace baby teeth. Baby teeth are temporary and normally fall out when a permanent tooth pushes in from underneath them (see video). Baby teeth are also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth because they are replaced by permanent or adult teeth.
In total, a person has 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth.
There are two sets of teeth in your mouth: baby teeth and permanent teeth. The first set of teeth is called baby teeth. They begin to appear around 6 months of age and usually complete their eruption around 3 years of age. Baby teeth begin to fall out around 6 years of age, and their permanent replacements appear around 13-15 years of age.
The second set of teeth is called permanent teeth. They begin to appear between the ages of 6 and 9, but can appear as early as 3 or as late as 12 (the exact age varies from person to person). All 32 adult or "permanent" teeth will eventually appear; however, some people may have a few missing adult tooth buds (which can develop into adult/permanent teeth).
There are different types of teeth
Teeth are classified according to their shape, function, location, and growth.
-
Shape: They can be classified into two types: * Problem teeth: These are those that have problems with shape or number.
-
Normal teeth: These are those that have no problems with shape or number.
-
Function: They can be classified into two types: * Incisors: These have a sharp edge on one side that is used to cut food into small pieces so that you can easily chew it before swallowing it down your throat without choking in the process. If you lose one of these (due to an accident), there will be no problem since they no longer play a vital role in chewing food, with most people nowadays using knives and forks or chopsticks instead of eating with their hands! However, if this happens during childhood, parents should make sure to find out the reason why it happened so that they can do something about it before something worse happens, such as brain damage due to malnutrition and so on...
-
Molars: These grind large amounts of food after the incisors have first reduced it to small pieces (although some people still use them).
Remember: it is important to know about your teeth to have good dental hygiene.
Remember: knowing your teeth is important for good dental hygiene.
Teeth are part of your body and mouth. They help you chew food and speak, smile, eat, and make sounds like "ah" and "oo."
Conclusion
Our teeth are not only a way to chew and taste food, but they also help us speak. We can have strong and healthy teeth by brushing and flossing them every day!
To go further:
We wrote an article where we go over each part of the tooth in detail: enamel, pulp, and dentin. You can find this article right here: diagram of a tooth
There are 20 baby teeth : 8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars.
There are several tooth numbering systems, the FDI system, the FDI system and the Palmer system. We will take stock of these different systems in a dedicated article that you can find right here: dental numbering system
To fully understand the anatomy of teeth and the mouth there are also two major concepts to understand, that of the dental dial which we have explained here: dental dial
And the concept of dental diagram which is a representation of the entire dentition that we have explained here: dental diagram
If you want to know more about wisdom teeth, we have an article that specifically addresses this topic: wisdom teeth