Posterior teeth

Posterior Teeth

The Posterior teeth are the teeth located at the back of the oral cavity. They include the premolars and molars, which are primarily used for grinding and crushing food.

Anatomy

The posterior teeth consist of two types: premolars and molars.

Premolars

Premolars, also known as bicuspids, are transitional teeth located between the canines and the molars. They have two cusps and are used for tearing and crushing food.

Molars

Molars are the largest of the posterior teeth. They are located at the back of the mouth and are used for grinding food. There are three molars on each side of both the upper and lower jaws, making a total of 12 molars in the adult mouth.

Function

The primary function of the posterior teeth is to grind and crush food in preparation for swallowing and digestion. The large surface area and strong force applied by these teeth make them ideal for this purpose.

Health and Maintenance

Maintaining the health of the posterior teeth is important as they play a crucial role in the digestive process. Regular dental cleanings, proper brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups can help keep these teeth healthy.

See Also

• Dentition
• Tooth eruption
• Dental anatomy

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