Molars are the large, flat teeth situated at the back of the mouth in humans and many animals. They are the permanent teeth located in the posterior part of the upper and lower jaws, behind the premolars. Molars are characterized by their broad, irregular surfaces which are well-suited for grinding and crushing food.
In adult humans, there are typically 12 molars, with three molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. These sets of molars are often referred to as the first, second, and third molars or, more commonly, the "wisdom teeth." Molars tend to erupt later than other teeth, typically between the ages of 6 to 12 years for the first molars, and 17 to 25 years for the third molars.
The main function of molars is to masticate or chew food, aiding in the process of digestion. Due to their location and strength, they bear the brunt of the force during chewing, helping to break down food into smaller particles that can be easily swallowed and digested.
Molars have a large surface area covered with a hard, calcified tissue called enamel. This enamel protects the underlying dentin and pulp, preserving the health of the tooth. The structure of molars also includes roots that anchor them in the jawbone, ensuring stability and support.
In summary, molars are the durable, grinding teeth located at the back of the mouth, designed to aid in the chewing and crushing of food for digestion.
