back teeth

USAGE SUMMARY

"back teeth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used figuratively to refer to someone's reluctance or unwillingness to do something, as in: "I had to beg her to do it, it was like pulling teeth to get her to agree." It is also used in a literal sense to refer to the molars in the back of the mouth, as in: "I had to get a cavity filled in one of my back teeth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their collisions loosened your back teeth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Labour members are sick to the back teeth of it".

Independent

I'm sick to the back teeth of the constant squabbling.

The Guardian

"Everyone's fed up to the effing back teeth with it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another common effect is a posterior crossbite, "when the upper back teeth are tucked inside the lower back teeth due to the constant sucking habit," Dr. Sinha said.

The New York Times - Science

We sipped milk tea and broke off hardened dough with our back teeth.

The New York Times

"Of course we would have also liked to see the back teeth covered," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Its bulls**t and the fans are sick to the back teeth of it.

Independent

In this circumstance, he said, "the back teeth touch, but the front teeth do not".

The New York Times - Science

They used their back teeth, which remain very sharp, to cut through soft tissue.

The Guardian

Try one with a small head, to get to the back teeth easily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dental health, be specific: "back teeth" refers to molars and premolars, crucial for chewing. Use the term when distinguishing them from front teeth.

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations when encountering the idiom "sick to the back teeth". It signifies extreme annoyance, not a dental ailment. Use context to differentiate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back teeth" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to the molars and premolars located at the rear of the mouth. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back teeth" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to refer to the molars and premolars in the rear of the mouth. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While primarily serving to identify these teeth in discussions related to dental health, it can also be part of the idiom "sick to the back teeth", expressing annoyance. Usage is frequent in news, science, and general contexts. Remember to distinguish between literal dental references and the idiomatic expression to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

molars

Focuses specifically on the type of teeth located at the back of the mouth, often used for grinding food.

rear molars

Combines the specificity of 'molars' with the positional aspect of 'rear'.

posterior teeth

A more technical and anatomical term for the teeth at the back of the mouth.

hind teeth

Similar to posterior teeth, but less common in formal contexts.

teeth in the back of the mouth

A descriptive phrase that clarifies the location of the teeth.

at the rear of the mouth

Emphasizes the location of the teeth in a more descriptive manner.

wisdom teeth

Refers to the specific molars that erupt last, often at the very back of the mouth.

sick to death of

This alternative expresses extreme annoyance, akin to being "fed up to the back teeth".

fed up with

A common expression of frustration, similar to being "sick to the back teeth".

clamp down

Describes the action of forcefully closing the jaw, involving the back teeth.

FAQs

How can I describe the location of teeth at the back of my mouth?

You can use phrases like "posterior teeth", "rear molars", or simply "teeth in the back of the mouth" to specify the location of your "back teeth".

What does it mean to be "sick to the back teeth"?

The expression "sick to the back teeth" is an idiom that means to be extremely annoyed or fed up with something. Alternatives include "fed up with" or "sick to death of".

Which teeth are considered "back teeth"?

The "back teeth" typically refer to the molars and premolars, which are located at the rear of the mouth and are primarily used for grinding food.

Are there any specific dental issues more common with "back teeth"?

Yes, due to their location and complex surfaces, "back teeth" are often more prone to cavities and impaction (especially wisdom teeth) than front teeth.