They are called cuspids. (Kus-pids).
I figure you probably mean Incisors, the teeth right at the front, and Canines, the two pointy teeth next to them.
Incisors
The front two teeth are called Incisors. They are used for biting off food.
Canine teeth.
Biting
If I am reading your question correctly, then you mean the anterior teeth. There are only six teeth that are considered anterior teeth, though. The order, from outside to inside, goes canine to lateral incisor to central incisor.
To protect your teeth and prevent you from biting your tongue.
The pointy things on forks are called tines. They are used to spear and pick up food.
Your front teeth, 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom, are called incisors, and are used to grip, tear, and cut food into smaller pieces.
They need to eat obviously... Also teeth can be used for biting; so it is also a way of defense.
The larger back teeth are used for crushing and chewing things, which the narrower and sharper front teeth are for biting and cutting into food.
Incisors are used for biting into and molars are used to chew.