The dental formula for an adult is 2 – 1 – 2 – 3 . What does the 3 stand for? A) canine tooth b) premolar tooth c) molar tooth
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) molar tooth.
The dental formula for an adult human is expressed as 2-1-2-3, where each number corresponds to the number of specific types of teeth in each quadrant of the mouth. This formula represents the arrangement of teeth in one half of the upper and lower jaws. The breakdown is as follows:
- The first “2” refers to two incisors (flat teeth used for cutting).
- The “1” indicates one canine (pointed tooth used for tearing).
- The second “2” represents two premolars (flat-topped teeth used for grinding food).
- The “3” at the end refers to three molars, which are the largest teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding and crushing food.
The molars are the final set of teeth in the dental formula, and they play a critical role in the chewing process, helping break down food into smaller pieces so that it can be easily digested. Adults typically have a total of 12 molars, three in each quadrant of the mouth. These molars include the first molar, second molar, and third molar, also known as the wisdom teeth, though the third molars may be absent or removed in some individuals due to dental issues or lack of space in the jaw.
Molars differ from premolars in both shape and function. Premolars have a flatter surface and are involved in the initial stages of grinding food, whereas molars have more complex and larger cusps to grind food thoroughly.