Molars

Molars are the teeth located towards the back of the mouth, behind the premolars. These teeth are responsible for grinding, crushing, and chewing food, making them an important part of the digestive process.

Molars have a broad and flat surface with multiple cusps that are designed for grinding and crushing food. The number of cusps can vary, with some molars having three or four cusps and others having even more. The morphology of molars also differs depending on their location in the mouth.

There are three types of molars:

First molars - also known as six-year molars, these are the first permanent molars to emerge, typically around the age of 6. They are larger than the other molars and have four to five cusps.

Second molars - also known as 12-year molars, these emerge around the age of 12. They are similar in size to the first molars and have four cusps.

Third molars - also known as wisdom teeth, these are the last molars to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. They can vary in size, shape, and number of cusps, and sometimes do not fully emerge or may be impacted (i.e., they don't fully emerge through the gums).

Overall, the molars play a crucial role in the breakdown of food into smaller particles, making it easier to digest and absorb nutrients. They also provide support to the cheeks and help maintain the height of the lower face.