Question 1

What is the Universal Numbering System?

Accepted Answer

The Universal Numbering System is the most widely used tooth identification method in the United States. Adult teeth are numbered 1-32 starting from the upper right third molar (#1) and ending at the lower right third molar (#32). Baby teeth use letters A through T.

Question 2

What is the FDI (ISO) tooth numbering system?

Accepted Answer

The FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) system is the international standard. It uses a two-digit number: the first digit identifies the quadrant (1-4 for adults, 5-8 for children) and the second digit identifies the tooth position (1-8). For example, tooth 11 is the upper right central incisor.

Question 3

What is the Palmer Notation System?

Accepted Answer

The Palmer system uses a grid symbol to indicate the quadrant and numbers 1-8 for each tooth position. The grid symbol resembles a cross with one quadrant filled in. It is commonly used in the UK and parts of Europe.

Question 4

How many teeth do adults have?

Accepted Answer

Adults have 32 permanent teeth (including 4 wisdom teeth): 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars. Many people have their wisdom teeth (third molars) removed, leaving 28 functional teeth.

Question 5

How many teeth do children have?

Accepted Answer

Children have 20 primary (baby) teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars. Primary teeth do not include premolars or third molars. These teeth begin erupting around 6 months of age, and the full set is usually in place by age 3. They begin falling out around age 6 to make room for the 32 permanent teeth.

Question 6

Why do dentists use tooth numbers instead of names?

Accepted Answer

Tooth numbers provide a precise, universal way to identify individual teeth in dental records, insurance claims, and communication between providers. Since many teeth share the same name (for example, there are four canines), using a numbering system eliminates ambiguity and reduces the risk of errors during treatment planning and documentation.

Question 7

Which numbering system does my dentist use?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, most dentists and insurance companies use the Universal Numbering System. Dentists in the United Kingdom and many European countries commonly use the Palmer Notation. The FDI system is the international standard used by the World Health Organization and is favored in academic research and many countries outside of North America.

Question 8

What are wisdom teeth and what number are they?

Accepted Answer

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to erupt, usually between ages 17 and 25. In the Universal system they are teeth #1 (upper right), #16 (upper left), #17 (lower left), and #32 (lower right). In the FDI system they are 18, 28, 38, and 48. Many people have them removed due to impaction, crowding, or difficulty cleaning them.

Question 9

What is the difference between incisors, canines, premolars, and molars?

Accepted Answer

Each tooth type has a distinct function. Incisors (front teeth) are flat and sharp for cutting food. Canines (cuspids) are pointed for tearing. Premolars (bicuspids) have two cusps for crushing and tearing. Molars are large with multiple cusps designed for grinding food. Together, they work as a system to break down food for digestion.

Question 10

Can a tooth number change if a tooth is missing?

Accepted Answer

No. Tooth numbers are assigned to specific positions in the jaw, not to the physical teeth themselves. If a tooth is extracted or congenitally missing, its number remains associated with that position. Your dental records will note the position as missing. This ensures consistency in records and prevents confusion across multiple providers and visits.

Interactive Tooth Numbering Chart

How to Use This Tool

Choose Adult or Child Teeth

Click Any Tooth

Explore Numbering Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Tooth Pain Checker

Teething Timeline

Dental Cost Calculator

Interactive Tooth Numbering Chart

How to Use This Tool

Choose Adult or Child Teeth

Click Any Tooth

Explore Numbering Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Tooth Pain Checker

Teething Timeline

Dental Cost Calculator