Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) with our comprehensive practice test. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam and secure your future in dentistry!

Practice this question and more.

Which type of tooth is primarily used for tearing food?

Incisor
Cuspid
Molar
Premolar

The correct answer is: Cuspid

The type of tooth primarily used for tearing food is the cuspid, also known as the canine tooth. Canines are pointed and designed to puncture and shred food, making them particularly effective for tearing tough materials, such as meat. Their sharp edges and single, conical form allow them to grip and rip food, distinguishing them from other types of teeth. Incisors, while they do assist in biting, are primarily flat and meant for cutting food rather than tearing. Molars and premolars, on the other hand, are broader and flat-surfaced, suited for grinding and chewing food. Thus, while the other tooth types have important roles in the overall process of eating, canines play a unique and critical role in the tearing function during mastication.