Molar tooth

Molar tooth is a type of tooth found in most mammals. They are the largest and most robust teeth, located in the back of the mouth. Molars are used primarily to grind food during chewing. The name is derived from the Latin word mola, meaning millstone.

Structure

Molars typically have a broad and flat surface, covered in ridges. This structure allows them to crush and grind food, which is their primary function. The number of molars varies among different mammal species; humans typically have twelve molars, with three on each quadrant of the mouth.

Crown

The crown of the molar is large and contains more enamel compared to other teeth. This makes the tooth more robust and capable of withstanding the forces of chewing.

Roots

Molars typically have multiple roots. The number of roots can vary, but most molars have two or three. These roots anchor the tooth in the jawbone.

Function

The primary function of molars is to grind food. They are not used for tearing or cutting. Instead, they work in conjunction with the tongue and cheeks to ensure that food is ground down into a bolus (ball of food) before being swallowed.

In humans

In humans, the molars are the last teeth to erupt. The first set, known as the deciduous or "baby" molars, appear between 12 and 28 months of age. These are replaced by the permanent or "adult" molars. There are three permanent molars in each quadrant of the mouth, and they are known as the first, second, and third molars.

Third molars

The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Because of their late eruption, they often cause problems such as impaction or infection, and are frequently removed.

See also

• Incisor
• Canine tooth
• Premolar

Molar tooth Resources
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