dental hygiene
Molars sit toward the back of your mouth, where they do the heavy work of crushing and grinding food. You don’t really notice them doing their job until one starts hurting. Then suddenly, that back corner of your mouth becomes impossible to ignore.
How Many Molars Are There in Each Jaw?
There are usually six molars in your upper jaw and six in your lower jaw. Each side has three molars, so the pattern is fairly easy to picture once you know where they sit.
The First and Second Molars
The first molar usually comes in around age six. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “six-year molar.” The second molar arrives later, often around age 12.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars. Most people have four potential wisdom teeth, with one sitting behind each second molar. But not everyone develops all four.
Some people have fewer than four. Others never develop wisdom teeth at all. And plenty of people have them removed because there isn’t enough room for them to come through properly.
So if you’ve had all four wisdom teeth removed, you’d generally have eight molars left. Still plenty of grinding power.
Molars in Children Are a Little Different
Kids have fewer permanent molars because their adult teeth haven’t all arrived yet. But they do have baby molars, which eventually make way for permanent teeth.
Baby teeth usually include eight molars altogether. There are four on top and four below. These teeth matter more than people sometimes think because they help children chew while also holding space for the permanent teeth underneath.
When a Molar Starts Causing Trouble
Pain in a molar deserves attention. A cavity can cause it, but pressure from a wisdom tooth can feel surprisingly similar, particularly when the discomfort seems to sit right at the back.
And if a molar has cracked or become badly damaged, getting it checked sooner usually gives you more options. Nobody enjoys a dental appointment, obviously, but dealing with a small problem feels a lot easier than waiting until it takes over your whole day.
Twelve molars is the usual adult number. But your own count depends on how many wisdom teeth developed and whether any teeth have been removed. Funny how four tiny teeth at the very back can make the number more complicated than it sounds.
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.
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