How Many Teeth Do Humans Possess?

Snails boast thousands of teeth, while Platypuses lack any. Humans are somewhere in the middle, though much closer to the platypus’s side of things.

But just how many teeth do humans have? You might be able to figure this out by simply counting your own teeth. According to Live Science, the typical adult human has 32 teeth if they haven’t had their wisdom teeth removed, or 28 if they have.

Our teeth are categorized based on their position, shape, and role. Right at the front are the eight incisors—four on top and four on the bottom—vital for biting and speaking. Beside each outermost incisor lies a canine tooth, the four sharp ones perfect for tearing tougher foods. Following them are the eight premolars, also known as bicuspids, which help with chewing alongside the eight molars. Finally, the four wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” sit all the way in the back.

The 32-teeth setup doesn’t align exactly with the baby version. We’re born with just 20 baby teeth: eight incisors, four canines, and eight molars. If you recall your own experiences with the Tooth Fairy—or have seen a child lose their teeth recently—you might remember that the incisors are usually the first to fall out, typically between ages 6 and 8. Molars tend to be the next to go before we hit our teenage years.

That being said, everyone’s dental journey is slightly different, and not all adults have exactly 28 or 32 teeth. As Colgate explains, some teeth may be lost due to decay, reflux-related wear, or other factors. Tooth agenesis is a rare genetic condition where certain teeth are simply absent. On the flip side, some individuals may have extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth.

Regardless of how many teeth you have, it’s important to keep brushing them (the correct way). Here’s what could happen if you didn’t.