Your teeth really begin digestion.

32 teeth are symmetrically^* arranged in the human mouth. There are 8 teeth in each half of the top and bottom jaw. Each of these areas has two incisors in the front, followed by one cuspid, two premolars, and three molars.

• The incisors and cuspids cut and tear food.
• The premolars and molars crush and grind food.

Teeth are responsible for most of the physical change in digestion. Chewing reduces food to smaller pieces that saliva and other chemicals can chemically break down more efficiently^*.

The teeth need nutrients and minerals such as calcium to stay healthy.