Introduction
They are these little teeth that nobody ever seems to care about, but they are part of the inside of your mouth called molarul. These are the teeth that are located towards the rear part of your mouth and these are the teeth that are considered for the work of chewing hard food types. The morphology of molars differ drastically from their neighbours pointy canine or sharp incisor; these back teeth have a broad, flat grinding surface with several cusps (bumps) to help mashed food. It is one of the most essential practices in digestion through which nutrients are effectively assimilated in your body.
Molarul Anatomy: A Closer Look
Let’s delve deeper into the anatomy of a molar:
- Crown: Crown relates to the part only of the tooth that is visible and present above the gum line. Molars have a large flat top expedited for grinding with many different points called cusps.
- Enamel: A strong substance that sets hard covering the crown of teeth is enamel ;it shields the teeth from abrasive actions.
- Dentin: The outer transparent layer of the tooth crown coated by enamel and underlying middle part of tooth forming the body of the tooth.
- Pulp: The pulp chamber has three sub chambers of which the last chamber or the innermost contains nerves and blood vessels which makes the tooth to feel some sensations and also supplies nutrients.
- Root: The portion of the tooth that embeds within the alveolar bone of the jaws to allow for the retention of teeth. Molars all have at least two and are usually three rooted teeth to give them anchorage.
- Cementum: A dense tissue that surrounds the root and holds the tooth firmly in place in actual bone of the jaw.
Types of Molars
There are two sets of molars:
- Primary molars (baby molars): Four primary molars emerge with each jaw quadrant; upper and lower, and they appear between the ages of 12 to 24 months. These smaller molars provide a clear path to the human permanent teeth.
- Permanent molars: There are 12 permanent anterior and posterior molars that really emerge behind the baby molars between 6 to 12 years of first molars and 17 to 21 years of second and third molars traditionally called as ‘wisdom teeth’.
Molar Functions
Molars play a critical role in the digestive process:
- Grinding: The molar teeth have a broad and flat-like structure and has several cusps that makes them efficient in reducing of hard food substances such as; nuts, vegetables and meats into manageable sizes.
- Shearing: The intense cutting facets of cusps allow for slicing of the food and slicing off smaller particles.
- Stabilization: Molars have multiple roots giving them a lot of anchorage and thus are able to with stand a lot of force when chopping food.
Molar Care: Keeping Your Grinders Healthy
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your molars healthy. Here are some key practices:
- Brushing: You need to brush your teeth at least two times a day for 2 minutes each time, It is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the edges of your molars where food usually traps begin, especially when chewing food products.
- Flossing: Daily flossing enables a person to get rid of the food stringers and plaque that may naturally accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, especially behind the molars.
- Diet: Avoid foods which are high in sugar and acids and which harms the teeth like sweetened products and fruit juices. This one is certain; choose to take lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.
- Regular dental checkups: Maintain some dental appointments and cleaning that may cost you some amount of money. That way, they can easily recognize any molar problems that may be looming in the future hence correct them.
Common Molar Problems
Several issues can affect molars:
- Tooth decay: The tartar formation results in cavities ; flossing and brushing are the only ways of avoiding cavities.
- Gum disease: Gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum and periodontitis that is a severe gum infection pose a serious threat to the supporting tissues of the molars and might even cause tooth loss .
- Cracked or chipped teeth: They also chipping on the biting surfaces of the molars through the normal use in the chewing process especially if they are used for cracking substances like the shells or nuts.
- Wisdom teeth impaction: The third set of molars called the wisdom teeth usually fail to have enough room to grow normally and this makes them grow towards the cheek and cause severe pain and therefore they are usually extracted.
Treatment Options for Molarul Problems
Depending on the severity of the problem, your dentist may recommend various treatment options for molarul issues:
- Fillings: Applied on decayed teeth to seal the cavities particularly those on the molars.
- Crowns: Restorative: Bands or crowns positioned on a damaged or affirmed molar with an intention to enhance its sturdiness and functionality.
- Root canals: Done when the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth called pulp becomes inflamed or infected, usually in a molar.
- Wisdom teeth extraction: Surgery to extract discrete third molars or teeth that become inflamed or diseased.
FAQs
This article explores some frequently asked questions about molars:
Do I need to brush my wisdom teeth?
Yes! However, wisdom teeth can perse only partially or not bother to come through at all. So it is better to keep these areas clean and avoid such conditions as, for instance, gum disease.
Why do my molars hurt when I chew?
Sharp gnashing discomfort in your molarul can be a sign of tooth decay or the early stages gum disease. A cracked tooth or an abscessed tooth (infection at the root). If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your dentist for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
Is it normal for my wisdom teeth to come in crooked?
Yes, the limited space in the jaw often complicates wisdom teeth eruption. Causing them to appear at an awkward angle.Some of its effects include still occurring in a single line leading to impaction; crowding other teeth or; making it challenging to clean the adjacent teeth adequately. Your dentist will educate you on whether it is necessary to have them pulled out or not.
Conclusion
Molarul are therefore a great part of your teeth which is vital in breaking of food hence good digestion. This is because by brushing your teeth, eating well and paying regular visits to the dentist you are sure to enjoy the services of your molars for the rest of your life provided you do not indulge in chewing hard substances. Just as a saying goes, a stitch in time, saves nine, therefore any molar problems, if diagnosed at an early stage can be rectified to avoid adverse development later. If there is any discomfort or issues with your molars, do not hesitate to talk to your dentist at Highgate.