Molars have broad crowns used to chew or grind food. If the wisdom teeth (third molars) are included, there are 12 molar teeth total, three in each quadrant of the mouth directly behind the premolars. Molars have multiple cusps (rounded protrusions or aspects) that are short and blunt, and produce a large chewing or occlusal surface.The first permanent molars appear between 6 and 7 years of age, while the second permanent molars come in at 12 or 13. Third molars, if they appear at all, come between 17 and 21.
Molars in both the upper (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) do most of the chewing and are the strongest teeth in the mouth. Dental problems with molar teeth generally take the form of an impacted tooth, although because these areas are sometimes difficult to keep clean, they are prone to decay as well. Dental sealants (protective resin coatings) can be applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to minimize dental caries.
