Because the word twenty has two syllables, you may think that it would be represented by the twenty teeth – ten on top and ten on bottom. That’s not quite right, though. In fact, the number twenty is represented by eight teeth , while your other teeth represent all the numbers between one and thirty-two! If you’re wondering how you know what each tooth stands for, look no further than this guide on what teeth numbers chart represent.
Top row of teeth: 1,2,3
The top row of teeth represents each year from age 25 to 65. It’s a good idea to get your teeth checked by a dentist every 6 months, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. This way you will be able to spot potential issues before they become critical, saving time and money. 4: The number four on your top row of teeth represents grace period when you have five years left until retirement. Make sure you know where your retirement savings are headed and use that five year grace period wisely to plan out what happens next in your life.
Bottom row of teeth: 4,5,6
these teeth correspond to 4,5,6 on your hands. To remember these numbers, make a fist with your right hand and touch your left thumb to your right pointer finger—that’s 4. Now, touch your middle finger to it—that’s 5. Next, point with all of your fingers at once—that’s 6. Repeat for left side of mouth: Left thumb touching left pointer finger = 1; then middle finger touches it = 2; all fingers pointing = 3.
Lateral incisors: 7,8,9
Each tooth has a small notch in its head, which is where it attaches to your gums. This tooth does not have any visible roots and is one of two that forms as part of an extra pair (the third molars) during childhood. Because they’re so small, you might have trouble feeling them with your tongue and can often get away with skipping flossing if they aren’t bothering you.
Canines (or cuspids): 10,11,12
Depending on which source you consult, some authorities will tell you that a canine (also known as a cuspid) is either 10, 11, or 12 while others will say it’s 11, 12, or 13. As to what tooth actually bears these numbers changes depending on who is providing them. Some authorities will have it as 10 and 11 while others have it as 11 and 12. Bottom line: it can get confusing. To avoid getting bogged down in all of these differences—and spending valuable time trying to figure out what each authority means by its numbering—it helps to see a pattern. And there is one!
Premolars (the bicuspids): 13,14,15
The presence of premolars (bicuspids) means there will be three sets of numbers for your teeth numbers chart. For example, in a person with 12,14,15: 12 would represent their lower-right bicuspid (tooth #12), 14 would represent their upper-right bicuspid (tooth #14), and 15 would represent their lower-left bicuspid (tooth #15). These teeth typically come out during late childhood or early adolescence.
Molars (or wisdom teeth): 16,17,18
Called wisdom teeth, these molars usually come in between ages 19 and 25. Wisdom teeth are often impacted and don’t have room to grow in a normal position. They cause problems for about 10 percent of adults by forming cysts or causing pain. Some people need to have their wisdom teeth removed due to complications from overcrowding of teeth (overcrowding is a common problem). If you have 4 molars then your age is: 16+17+18 = 43 years old, if you have 6 molars then your age is: 16+17+18+19+20 = 64 years old; i.e., adding 1 for each additional tooth beyond four.
