What is mastication? Explain the role of different sets of teeth in this process. (AS1)

Mastication is the process of grinding, chewing and shredding of the food by the teeth in order to make it easier to swallow.

There are four different sets of teeth present in a human mouth. They are incisors, canines, pre-molars and molars.

a. Incisors: These are the first sets of teeth that encounter the food and are mostly used for biting.

b. Canines: These have sharp pointed edge meant for tearing and ripping of food. They are more prominent in flesh eating animals.

c. Pre-molars: These are flat surfaced teeth which are used for chewing ad grinding of the food.

d. Molars: The last set of teeth, mostly used for grinding the food thoroughly before passing it down to the food pipe.