MOLAR VS PREMOLAR TEETH

 

Do you know that premolar and molar teeth, no matter how similar their names, are quite unique from each other? The human teeth function in the mechanical destruction of food by cutting and crushing it in preparation for swallowing and digesting food. There are 4 rounds of these teeth. Two of them are premolars and molars. Premolars and molars are the grinding teeth located behind the outer teeth. After many years of efficient universal research, these teeth were found to be different. We can divide these differences into three categories, and they are locations, functions, and forms.

The first difference between molar and premolar teeth is their locations in the mouth. According to the results of  research conducted in adults, there are 12 molar teeth of which 6 in the lower and 6 in the upper jaws. These teeth are located at the rearmost of the mouth. Furthermore, premolars, also known as bicuspids, are located 4 in the upper and 4 in the lower jaws, for a total of 8 premolars, are located right in the middle of the canine teeth.

Another difference among molar and bicuspid teeth is their functions. Molars, which cover a larger surface area, are responsible for grinding the food coming into the human mouth and separating it into smaller pieces. On the other hand, the bicuspids are responsible for breaking down the food, even if it is little, so that it can be broken down more easily before it reaches the molars.

Finally, these teeth can be differentiated with their forms. Molars, which have been present since childhood, are the largest of all teeth. They have a large surface with many protrusions that allow them to grind food. Conversely, premolars or bicuspids that appear in humans after the age of 10 or 12 are remain very little compared to the molars. They have 2 protrusions and a flatter surface than the molars.

When all things are taken into consideration, although molars and premolars look same, they are very different from each other in various ways such as locations, functions, and forms. Despite these differences, all teeth as a whole have a crucial impact on humans. Therefore, treatments should aim to protect teeth rather than extract them.

Resources: 

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326754#types-of-teeth
2. https://www.drtimhubbs.com/blog/types-of-teeth-incisors-canines-premolars-and-molars/
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adSgDT1khWU