Molars

Molars are the 12 teeth in the back of your mouth, 6 on top and 6 on bottom. Since wisdom teeth are molars that are often removed, many adults have 8-10 molars remaining. If you’ve ever wondered why we need to have so many of our natural teeth removed, the answer is simple: evolution.

Our ancestors had much coarser diets, heavy in roots, fibrous leaves, and tough meat. The wisdom teeth or “third molars” were often the first to wear down and decay due to this tough diet. Today with all our modern dental advances, our teeth are comparatively protected by brushing and flossing, which in addition to a softer, processed diet has led to these teeth becoming extraneous, or even dangerous.

In many adults, wisdom teeth erupt late, crowding our other permanent teeth or failing to come in properly at all, a condition known as ‘impaction.” Impacted molars must be surgically removed since cysts and jawbone tumors can form otherwise.

Despite this nuisance, the first and second molars are the key teeth in maintaining healthy digestion since they still bear the heaviest load from chewing, just like the teeth of our ancestors millions of years ago. Like any other teeth, molars can develop cavities, abscesses, or cracks, though their flat shape makes them particularly susceptible to decay.

Speak with our office if you have molar pain or trouble properly cleaning them with your daily oral hygiene routine.