Page "Dentition" Paragraph 7

The number of teeth of each type is written as a dental formula for one side of the mouth, or quadrant, with the upper and lower teeth shown on separate rows.

The number of teeth in a mouth is twice that listed as there are two sides.

In each set, incisors ( I ) are indicated first, canines ( C ) second, premolars ( P ) third, and finally molars ( M ), giving I: C: P: M. So for example, the formula 2. 1. 2. 3 for upper teeth indicates 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars on one side of the upper mouth.