What are back molars for?

1. Grinding and chewing food. The back molars, also called the molars, are the largest teeth in the mouth. They are designed to grind and chew food into smaller pieces so that it can be more easily swallowed and digested.

2. Supporting the jaw. The molars also help to support the jaw and keep it in place. They do this by anchoring the jawbone to the skull.

3. Providing stability when biting. The molars help to provide stability when biting by preventing the teeth from slipping or moving out of place. This is important for preventing jaw pain and damage to the teeth.

4. Speaking. The molars also play a role in speaking. They help to create the sounds of "m," "b," and "p."

5. Protecting the teeth. The molars help to protect the other teeth in the mouth by preventing them from coming into contact with each other. This can help to prevent damage to the teeth from wear and tear, as well as from cavities and gum disease.

6. Storing minerals. The molars store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones.