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Which Molar Is the Largest?

Published in Dental Anatomy 2 mins read

The maxillary first molar is the largest molar in adult human beings. It's also considered the largest permanent tooth overall.

Why is the Maxillary First Molar the Largest?

Several sources confirm this:

  • Multiple studies and textbooks identify the maxillary first molar as the largest molar and even the largest tooth in the adult human mouth. (Homework.Study.com, ScienceDirect Topics, Brainly)
  • Its size is crucial for mastication: The maxillary first molar's substantial size plays a vital role in chewing and grinding food. (NCBI)
  • Comparison to other molars: While mandibular first molars are also large and important, the maxillary first molar consistently surpasses them in size. (Pocket Dentistry)

It's important to note that while wisdom teeth (third molars) are sometimes described as large, this is often relative to their late eruption and small size of the other teeth nearby. They are generally not as large as the maxillary first molars. (Stonebriar Faces, Medical News Today) The size of molars can also vary slightly between individuals.

The comparison of molar sizes across different primate species shows varying size sequences; however, in humans, the maxillary first molar consistently holds the largest position. (PubMed)