Anatomy
Premolar (bicuspid)
Premolars, also called bicuspids, are the teeth between the canines and the molars. They crush and tear food and have two cusps each.
Premolars sit between your canines and your molars. Adults have eight of them, four on top and four on the bottom. They have two points, or cusps, on the chewing surface. That is why they are also called bicuspids.
Premolars have features of both canines and molars. They help tear, crush and grind food into smaller pieces.
The grooves on premolars can trap food and plaque, so they can get cavities. A dental sealant may be one way to help protect them. Your dentist can tell you if that makes sense for you. Learn about the cusp of a tooth.