Molar Teeth, Know Their Functions and How to Take Care of Them

The molars are the biggest and strongest teeth among the other teeth. Molar teeth play an important role in the process of crushing and refining food to make it easier to swallow. Because of their important role, the health of the molars needs to be maintained so that they function optimally.

Humans have 4 types of teeth found in the upper and lower jaw. The four types of teeth are incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth has a different shape with its own function

The molars are located on the left and right sides of the mouth. Its function is to crush and refine food before it is swallowed. Food that is large in size will be crushed into smaller pieces, so that later it will be easier to enter the esophagus and digestive tract.

Because of its important function, it is important for you to look after and care for the molars so that they can function optimally in the process of digesting food.

Molar Teeth and Their Functions

The normal number of adult teeth is 32, consisting of 8 incisors, 8 premolars, 4 canines, and 12 molars including 4 wisdom teeth.

Of the 12 molars that humans have, the teeth that are the largest in size are divided into 3 types depending on the time of growth. The following are the 3 types of molars in question:

• First molars, also called 6-year molars because these teeth normally grow around the age of 6 years.
• Second molars, are called 12 year molars because they erupt (grow and come out) around the age of 12.
• Third molars, referred to as wisdom teeth which usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21 years.

The presence of each type of tooth has its own function. If incisors are used to cut food and canines to tear or tear food, molars have the main function of crushing and smoothing food to make it easier to swallow and digest.

Disorders of Molars

When the molars are disturbed, complaints usually arise in the form of toothache. This can make it difficult for you to eat and bite food, so that food will be difficult to swallow because it cannot be mashed perfectly. The most common molar tooth disorder is tooth impaction, which is the wisdom tooth or the last molar that does not grow or comes out completely. This results in the tooth only partially coming out or not even coming out at all.

Impacted wisdom teeth can occur in one or more teeth. If left untreated, this condition can cause pain, swollen gums, infection, and even damage the surrounding teeth.

That is why the last impacted molars need to be treated immediately by removing them from the dentist. This is done to avoid other dental health problems in the future.

In addition to impacted wisdom teeth, painful molars can also be caused by several other disorders, such as cavities, tooth abscesses, and broken or cracked teeth,

How to Take Care of Molars

Disorders of the molars can cause complaints that make you feel uncomfortable. Not only that, this can also make it difficult for you to digest food because the food you swallow is still not smooth. So, come on, take care of your dental health from now on.

To maintain and care for healthy teeth, including molars, you can do the following tips:

1. Tooth brushing routine

Routine brushing your teeth needs to be done 2 times a day, especially after every meal and before going to bed. You can use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to reach all of the teeth, including the back of the molars.

2. Choose the right toothpaste

Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which is a substance that functions to strengthen and harden the protective layer or tooth enamel, and prevent tooth decay.

3. Clean your teeth with dental floss

To keep your teeth clean, brushing your teeth is not enough. To be more optimal. You can clean your teeth with dental floss or dental floss at least once a day. This method is done to remove food residue, dirt, and plaque stuck between the teeth

4. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger tooth decay

You need to avoid foods or drinks that can trigger tooth decay, such as those that are too sweet or sour. This is because these foods or drinks can damage the tooth enamel and create cavities

In addition, you should stop smoking because many smokers are more prone to having health problems with their teeth and gums.

5. Check your teeth regularly to the dentist

Schedule regular dental check-ups every 6 months. In addition to checking the condition of your dental health, regular dental check-ups to the dentist can also help you monitor the growth and appearance of the last molars which can cause impaction.

By knowing the functions and disorders that can occur in the molars, it is hoped that you will be able to take better care of your dental health so that it can function optimally and prevent the possibility of other problems with the teeth and mouth.

If you have gum and dental health problems, including molars that don't heal within 2 days and are accompanied by swelling, fever, and pain when opening your mouth, consult a doctor immediately so that an appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out according to your complaint.

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