There are four main types of teeth that each have a specific purpose. Incisors are flat and sharp for cutting food. Canines are pointed for tearing food. Premolars are bigger and have ridges for crushing and grinding food. Molars are the strongest teeth and have many ridges for grinding food until it is ready to be swallowed, with the tongue pushing it to the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth grow in later for chewing tough plants. The different shapes of teeth allow them to perform specialized functions in chewing different types of foods.