Have you ever stopped to wonder why we have molars, those broad teeth right at the back of the mouth? They tend to go unnoticed until something goes wrong, yet they do some of the hardest work in your mouth every single day. Because they sit at the back and take the brunt of chewing, molars are also a routine focus of general dental care. Here’s a closer look at what molars do, why they matter, and how to keep them healthy for the long run.
What Are Molars?
Molars are the largest and strongest teeth in your mouth. They’re wider than your other teeth, with a broad, fairly flat surface that’s built for grinding. Adults have up to twelve molars in total, and that count includes the four wisdom teeth (also called third molars), so most people have eight molars plus up to four wisdom teeth, split evenly between the upper and lower jaws.
Their size is no accident. That large surface area gives molars the strength and grip they need to break food down, which is exactly what they’re designed to do. You might also hear about premolars, the smaller teeth that sit just in front of the molars. Premolars help with chewing too, but the molars, being larger and further back, handle the heaviest grinding.
When Do Molars Come Through?
Molars arrive in stages across childhood and into adulthood:
- Baby (primary) molars usually appear during the toddler years, generally between about one and three years of age.
- The first permanent molars typically come through around age six, which is why they’re sometimes called the “six-year molars.”
- The second permanent molars usually follow at around age twelve.
- Wisdom teeth, the third molars, tend to appear later, in the late teens or early twenties, if they come through at all.
What Do Molars Do?
Molars are best known for chewing, but they play a few different roles.
Chewing and Digestion
This is their main job. While your front teeth cut and tear food, your molars grind and crush it into smaller pieces. That matters for more than comfort: breaking food down properly makes it easier and safer to swallow, and it’s the first step in healthy digestion.
Helping With Speech
Your teeth, including your molars, also help you form certain sounds clearly. The tongue presses against the teeth to shape sounds, so a full set of back teeth supports clear, comfortable speech, and missing back teeth can subtly change the way some words sound.
Supporting the Shape of Your Face
Molars and the bone that holds them help support the lower third of your face. Over many years, losing molars and the gradual bone loss that can follow may affect this support, which is one reason people sometimes notice changes to their facial shape after long-term tooth loss. Keeping your molars healthy, or replacing them if they’re lost, helps maintain that structure.
Why the First Permanent Molar Is So Important
Of all the molars, the first permanent molar tends to be especially important. Because it comes through early and sits in a key position, it plays a leading role in how your teeth meet when you bite. If it’s lost, the surrounding teeth can drift and the bite can change, sometimes leading to uneven pressure on other teeth, which dentists refer to as a bite or occlusion problem. Looking after these teeth from childhood gives them the best chance of lasting a lifetime.
Why Molars Are More Prone to Problems
Molars are harder to keep clean than your front teeth. They sit at the back of the mouth, they’re trickier to reach, and their chewing surfaces have natural grooves and pits where food and plaque can lodge. That combination makes them more susceptible to decay if they’re not cleaned well. For a reliable overview of how decay develops and how to avoid it, Healthdirect’s advice on preventing tooth decay is a helpful reference, and our own rundown of simple ways to prevent cavities offers practical everyday tips.
How to Look After Your Molars
The good news is that molars respond well to consistent care. A few habits make a real difference:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles to reach the chewing surfaces and the back of the last molar. A brush with a smaller head can make this easier, and if you’re unsure which to use, our guide to choosing the right toothbrush can help.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes, since decay often starts in the spots a toothbrush misses.
- Go easy on sugary foods and drinks, which feed the bacteria that cause decay.
- For children, your dentist may suggest fissure sealants, a thin protective coating applied to the grooves of the molars to help keep decay out.
- Keep up with regular check-ups and a professional clean, so any early problems are spotted before they grow.
Signs a Molar Might Need Attention
Because molars sit out of sight, problems can develop without you noticing straight away. It’s worth booking a check-up if you experience any of the following:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Aching or sharp pain when chewing on one side
- A rough edge, chip or crack you can feel with your tongue
- Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste that brushing doesn’t fix
- Tenderness or swelling around a back tooth, which can point to a wisdom tooth or gum issue
None of these are a diagnosis on their own, but they’re a good reason to have the tooth looked at. Catching a small problem early usually means simpler, more comfortable treatment.
What Happens If You Lose a Molar
Losing a molar isn’t only a gap at the back of your smile. The neighbouring teeth can gradually tilt or drift into the space, the opposing tooth may start to over-erupt, and chewing on that side can become harder. Over time, the jawbone in that area can also shrink. If you do lose a molar, replacement options such as implants, bridges or dentures can restore function, and your dentist can talk you through what suits you as part of your routine dental care.
Molar Care for Pennant Hills Families
Alongside patients in Pennant Hills, the team at Hills Dental Pennant Hills also cares for families from nearby areas, including Thornleigh and Cherrybrook. From a child’s first molars to caring for adult teeth, we’re here to help your whole family keep those hard-working back teeth in good shape.
Give Your Molars the Care They Deserve
Your molars do a lot for you, so it’s worth giving them a little attention in return. If it’s been a while since your last visit, or you’d like advice on caring for your family’s teeth, book a check-up with our team and we’ll help keep your smile healthy and strong.