Molar

- Teeth that need extra care

A molar, often called an ox tooth or large molar, is the large, flat teeth found in the back of the mouth. These teeth play a crucial role in breaking down food before swallowing. In an adult, there are a total of 12 molars, including wisdom teeth - six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw.

As children, we have 20 milk teeth, but these are gradually replaced by between 28 and 32 permanent teeth as we reach adulthood. The exact number depends on whether the wisdom teeth erupt. The four wisdom teeth, which are the back molars, can sometimes be completely missing or only partially developed.

"The back molars are often underestimated, but they are crucial for chewing and need special care" says Arman Ostovan, Chief Dentist at Dentme

What are molars (cheek teeth)?

Molars are teeth with wide chewing surfaces that help to crush and break down food. In adults, there are 12 molars: six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw - including the wisdom teeth. Their chewing surfaces have deep grooves where food easily gets stuck, making them particularly vulnerable tocaries if they are not cleaned thoroughly.

When do molars emerge?

Children get their first permanent molars at around the age of six. They grow in behind the milk teeth and do not replace any other tooth, so they are easily missed when brushing. These are often called six-year-old teeth. The next set of molars comes around the age of twelve. Wisdom teeth, which are the last molars, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. It is important to be extra careful with cleaning right when these teeth emerge. Research suggests that parents should pay attention from around the age of five, so that their child learns to brush at the back of the mouth as well.

Why do molars need special care?

Molars are exposed to high chewing pressure every day. Their shape - with grooves and uneven surfaces - makes it easy for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. This increases the risk of tooth decay and other dental diseases.

This is why good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important.

How to protect your molars against caries

New molars are particularly vulnerable to caries. Here are some tips to keep them healthy:

- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

- Use dental floss or interdental brushes

- Avoid snacking or eating sweets between meals

- Visit the dentist regularly

- Question about the need for fissure sealing

What is fissure sealing?

Fissure sealing is a preventive treatment in which the dentist fills deep grooves on the chewing surfaces with a protective material. This makes it harder for bacteria and food debris to stick - and reduces the risk of cavities. This treatment is often used in children and adolescents.

Wisdom teeth - symptoms and when they should be removed

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Because the back of the jaw is often crowded, they can grow crooked, only partially erupt or cause crowding.

Common symptoms of wisdom teeth problems:

- Pain or swelling in the jaw

- Redness or soreness around the tooth

- Bad taste in the mouth

- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing

- Fever or signs of infection

You should contact your dentist if you develop a fever, swelling or pain that does not go away. This may be a sign of infection around the wisdom tooth, and in some cases the tooth may need to be removed.

When should you contact a dentist?

Book a visit to Dentme if you:

- Pain or soreness in your molars or wisdom teeth

- Seeing swelling, redness or bleeding in the gums

- Has difficulty chewing properly

At Dentme, both Examination and Emergency Dental Care are included in the Membership.

Frequently asked questions about molars

What is a molar?
A molar, or cheek tooth, is a tooth with a wide chewing surface used to grind the food we eat.

What is a sexagenarian?
It is the first permanent molar to erupt at around 6 years of age - often without replacing any milk tooth.

When do wisdom teeth appear?
They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but some never get them.

Does it hurt when wisdom teeth emerge?
Yes, it can hurt. Often there is swelling, tenderness or a feeling of pressure at the back of the mouth.

How do I know if a wisdom tooth is infected?
You may feel pain, swelling, redness, a bad taste in your mouth or have a fever. Contact your dentist if you have these symptoms.

How long does it hurt after a wisdom tooth is removed?
The pain is usually most noticeable in the first 2-3 days and gradually subsides within a week.

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
No, only if they cause problems such as pain, infection, tooth decay or crowding.

Is wisdom tooth treatment included in Dentmes Membership?
Yes, it is. Examination and assessment are always included. Removal of simple wisdom teeth is always included in your Membership. More severe conditions may sometimes require referral to an external specialist in oral surgery, this is not included in your Membership.

Sources:

1177 Vårdguiden - Tooth development in children
https://www.1177.se/barn--gravid/barn/tander-och-mun/tandutveckling-hos-barn/ 

1177 Vårdguiden - Wisdom teeth
https://www.1177.se/mun-och-tander/visdomstander/ 

Tandläkartidningen - Fissure sealing reduces caries in children
https://www.tandlakartidningen.se/nyheter/fissurforsegling-minskar-karies-hos-barn/