The incisors and canines are reduced, which would hinder biting off chunks of large food pieces. In contrast, the cheek teeth of both sexes are enormous (postcanine megadontia), which would have increased the pressure applied to food. In the upper jaw, the 1st molar averages roughly , the 2nd molar , and the 3rd molar ; in the lower jaw, the 1st molar averages roughly , the 2nd molar , and the 3rd molar . The molars are bunodont, featuring low and rounded cusps. The premolars resemble molars (are molarised), which may indicate "P. boisei" required an extended chewing surface for processing a lot of food at the same time. The enamel on the cheek teeth are among the thickest of any known ape, which would help resist high stresses while biting.