There are four types of teeth in the mouth. They include the incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. For most individuals, the top (maxilla) and bottom (mandibular) of the mouth contains the same types of teeth in the same order and amount. The left and right sides also have the same number an amount. So when anthropologists are comparing the dentition of different species, we often use a shortcut and only count the numbers and types of teeth in one quadrant (¼) of the mouth. For example, the upper right quarter is the same as the lower left quarter. Anthropologists use an abbreviated formula called the dental formula, which counts how many of each type of tooth there is in a quadrant moving from mesial to distal.

Examine the human mandibular and human maxillary dentition from the buccal, labial, and occlusal surface in these interactive images below. On the occlusal surface especially, take note of the shape and relief of the tooth surface. Some teeth have thin, sharp cutting surfaces. While others have large flat surfaces with multiple raised ridges that look like mountains and are called cusps. When the mouth closes, the cusps fit into the valleys on the opposite (occluding) tooth for crushing and grinding.