molarer

Molarer is the plural form of molar in several European languages and refers to the molar teeth, the large grinding teeth at the back of the mouth. In English, the term molar is used for a single tooth, while molars collectively are the molar teeth. Molars play a key role in chewing and breaking down food.

In humans, there are 12 molars in a full adult set: three molars per quadrant across two dental arches (the upper and lower jaw). These are the first molars, second molars, and third molars. Molars have broad occlusal surfaces with multiple cusps and typically two or three roots. The first molars are closest to the midline, followed by the second molars, with the third molars (wisdom teeth) at the back of the mouth. Third molars are the most variable in size and shape and are commonly affected by impaction.

Function and development: Molars are specialized for grinding and crushing food, a task that requires a large chewing surface and strong roots. Eruption times vary: first molars usually appear around age 6, second molars around age 12, and third molars often erupt from late adolescence to early adulthood, though they may fail to erupt or require removal. Impaction and crowding are frequent reasons for dental intervention.

Variation and health: Molars vary across individuals and species; in many mammals their morphology reflects diet. In humans, molars are susceptible to dental caries, fissures in the grooves of the chewing surface, wear, and, for wisdom teeth, potential infection or misalignment. Regular dental care helps maintain molar health and function.

Etymology and usage: The word molar traces to Latin molaris, meaning related to grinding. In languages such as Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, the plural form of molar is molarer, used to refer to multiple molars.