Which are the traditional categories of human teeth?

• A. Incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, tricuspids.
• B. Molar, premolar, canine, incisor.
• C. Ankylosed, erupted, deciduous, permanent.
• D. Premolars, molars, canines, incisors.

Answer: (A)

These traditional categories group teeth by their position and function, using names tied to the number of cusps on each tooth. Incisors are the front teeth used for cutting. Cuspids, another term for canines, are pointed for tearing. Bicuspids refer to premolars, which have two main cusps and assist in tearing and some grinding. Tricuspids refer to molars, with three main cusps that handle most grinding of food. So the traditional set is incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, and tricuspids. Modern terminology often uses incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, but this older labeling reflects the historical naming based on cusp counts.