poskihampaiden

Poskihampaat are the teeth located at the back of the mouth, specialized for grinding and crushing food. They appear behind the premolars and are larger and more robust than front teeth. In Finnish, poskihampaat covers the molars; the third molars are commonly referred to as viisumahampaat or wisdom teeth.

Anatomically, molars have broad crowns with multiple cusps and wide occlusal surfaces. They typically have two roots in the lower jaw and three roots in the upper jaw, though variations exist. Development begins in childhood; first molars erupt around ages 6–7, second molars around 12–13, and third molars (wisdom teeth) may erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. In some individuals these teeth fail to erupt normally and are described as impacted.

Function and role: Molars are essential for grinding food, enabling efficient chewing and digestion. Their strong enamel and dense structure support heavy biting forces. Because of their position at the back of the mouth, they are involved in maintaining bite balance and chewing efficiency; loss or extraction can affect neighboring teeth and jaw function.

Health considerations: Molars are prone to dental caries, especially in pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces. They are also susceptible to periodontal problems due to their location. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and crowding, sometimes necessitating surgical removal.

Care and prevention: Good oral hygiene for molars includes brushing thoroughly, flossing between the back teeth, and regular dental checkups. Fluoride toothpaste, sealants for fissures, and timely evaluation of wisdom teeth can help prevent decay and alignment problems. Orthodontic treatment may be considered if crowding affects molar eruption or alignment.