Maxillary first molar

Maxillary first molar

The Maxillary first molar or upper first molar is one of the teeth in the human mouth. It is the third tooth from the midline of the mouth and is usually the largest tooth in the upper jaw (maxilla). The maxillary first molar is typically the first permanent tooth to erupt in the mouth, usually around the age of six.

Anatomy

The maxillary first molar has a unique anatomy. It typically has three roots, two buccal (cheek side) and one palatal (tongue side), and four or five cusps. The roots are often fused together. The tooth has a broad and square shape, which is adapted for grinding food.

Function

The primary function of the maxillary first molar is to grind and chew food. It works in conjunction with the mandibular first molar to break down food into smaller pieces that can be swallowed and digested.

Clinical significance

The maxillary first molar is often the first tooth to show signs of decay due to its early eruption and its location in the mouth, which makes it difficult to clean. It is also often the first tooth to be lost due to decay or periodontal disease.

See also

• Human tooth
• Dental anatomy
• Tooth eruption