Question

Which of following is not a function of Teeth ?

• A. Biting
• B. Tasting
• C. Grinding
• D. Breaking

Hint:

Remember: Teeth are for mechanical breakdown (biting, cutting, tearing, grinding). Taste is a chemical sense detected by taste buds on the tongue, not by teeth!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the functions of teeth.
Teeth are hard, calcified structures in the mouth that are primarily responsible for mechanical digestion through the breakdown of food. The main functions of teeth include:
Incisors: Cutting and biting food
Canines: Tearing and piercing food
Premolars and Molars: Grinding and crushing food
Step 2: Identifying the primary functions.
The mechanical functions of teeth include:
Biting (incisors)
Grinding (molars and premolars)
Breaking, tearing, and crushing food
Step 3: Analysis of each option.

(A) Biting: This IS a function of teeth. Incisors are specifically designed for biting food.
(B) Tasting: This is NOT a function of teeth. Taste is detected by taste buds located on the tongue, soft palate, and other parts of the mouth. Teeth have no role in taste perception.
(C) Grinding: This IS a function of teeth. Molars and premolars are designed for grinding and crushing food.
(D) Breaking: This IS a function of teeth. Teeth break down food into smaller pieces during mastication.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Since tasting is performed by taste buds on the tongue and not by teeth, it is not a function of teeth. All other options (biting, grinding, and breaking) are essential mechanical functions performed by different types of teeth.
Final Answer: (B) Tasting.