dental hygiene
Most adults have 12 molars in total. Six sit in the upper jaw, while six are in the lower jaw. They’re the broad, sturdy teeth at the back of your mouth, built for doing the heavy work when you chew.
Wisdom teeth are included in that number. So if all four wisdom teeth have grown in and are still present, you have 12 molars. If your wisdom teeth were removed, you’ll usually have eight molars left.
Where Are Your Molars?
• Eight regular molars, four on each side of your mouth, if your wisdom teeth aren’t counted.
• Four wisdom teeth at the very back, although plenty of adults never develop all four.
• Six molars in the upper jaw and six below when all the third molars are present.
• Missing wisdom teeth? Your mouth can still function perfectly well without them, which is honestly one less thing to worry about.
What Do Molars Actually Do?
Molars are mainly grinding teeth. Their wide, relatively flat surfaces break food down before you swallow it, and their shape gives them plenty of surface area for chewing tougher foods.
Try chewing something without using your back teeth. You’ll notice the difference quickly. Your front teeth are better suited to biting into food, while your molars do the grinding that makes the next part of digestion easier.
First and Second Molars
Your first permanent molars usually appear around age six. Dentists sometimes call them the “six-year molars.” They’re important because they help establish the way your upper and lower teeth meet as the rest of the permanent teeth come in.
Second molars arrive later, often around ages 11 to 13. By then, your mouth is starting to look much closer to its adult arrangement.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. They usually appear sometime in the late teens or early twenties, although timing varies and some people never get them.
Do You Need All 12?
Not necessarily. Wisdom teeth don’t have to stay in your mouth for you to chew normally. If one is removed because it causes problems, losing that tooth doesn’t suddenly leave your mouth unable to grind food.
So How Many Molars Should You Have?
If you’re counting the complete adult set, the answer is 12 molars. Eight are the first and second molars, and four are wisdom teeth.
If your wisdom teeth were removed, eight molars is completely normal. You may also have fewer if you’ve lost another molar because of decay, injury, gum disease, or another dental problem.
Disclaimer
The information shared in our articles is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every smile is unique, and only a qualified dental professional can assess your individual oral health needs. If you have any concerns, please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist.
Read our Full Disclaimer.
