WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE . . .

...between molars and pre-molars?

MOLARS and pre-molars are both types of adult teeth.

Molars are large, strong and sit towards the back of the mouth. They have four raised points and at least two roots, as well as deep crevices that trap food and bacteria.

Pre-molars are smaller and are near the front of the mouth. They are designed for grinding and crushing chunks of food. While a full set of adult teeth has 12 molars, there are only eight pre-molars, also known as bicuspids. Pre-molars have just two raised points and the crevices are shallower, making them less prone to cavities.

Most pre-molars have just a single root, so they are more at risk of fracture.