Premolars
Premolars maintain the position of the teeth and allow food to be chewed.
Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are the teeth located between the canines and molars. They have two cusps or bumps on their chewing surface, which makes them ideal for chewing and grinding food.
In terms of eruption ages, the first premolars typically emerge between the ages of 10 and 12 years, while the second premolars emerge between the ages of 11 and 13 years.
Premolars are generally shorter and smaller than molars, but larger and stronger than canines and incisors. They have a flat surface with two cusps, one of which is larger than the other. The larger cusp is located towards the back of the tooth, while the smaller cusp is towards the front. This shape allows premolars to assist in grinding and crushing food before it is swallowed.
The length of premolars can vary, but on average they are around 1.5-2 cm long. They have a slightly pointed shape and a broad base that is wider than the base of incisors and canines.
Overall, the premolars play an important role in the chewing and grinding of food, which is a critical stage in the digestive process. They also help to maintain the position of the other teeth and provide support to the cheeks and lips.