Wisdom Teeth 101
Wisdom teeth. Your initial reaction may be: “ouch!”, “why do we have them?”, “do we HAVE to get them removed?”, or something similar to one or all of the above. In this post, we’ll break down what wisdom teeth are, why we have them, when they should be removed, and all of your other burning questions.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most adults tend to develop between the ages of 17 and 21 years old. They’re referred to as wisdom teeth because they’re the final set of molars and teeth to emerge, which theoretically makes us “wiser”.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a flatter type of tooth whose function is to grind down food. Long ago, they were originally necessary to grind down foods like roots, leaves,
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meats and nuts. However, as the human race evolved, so did our methods of cooking. This meant that we were able to cook and heat food so that it was easier to chew, and we also developed utensils to help cut and chop food into smaller pieces.
How has evolution impacted wisdom teeth?
Even though many anthropologists purport that we’ve evolved beyond needing wisdom teeth, research has found that genetics still cause many people to develop their wisdom teeth. In fact, this study found that 53% of people developed at least one wisdom tooth and that men were more likely than women to develop them.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth will erupt?
This is one of many reasons why it’s important to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. You may not see or feel your wisdom teeth, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not there. Many wisdom teeth never erupt, or break through your gums, which is why it’s imperative to get X-rays to confirm whether they’re there or not. If your wisdom teeth don’t erupt, then they’re referred to as “impacted”. Sometimes they can cause more oral health problems when they’re impacted.
Why do we remove wisdom teeth?
As we’ve evolved, our jaws have gotten smaller over time and our diets and dental needs have changed drastically. Because our jaw size has decreased, we don’t have the same amount of room in our mouths as humans did in the days when wisdom teeth were essential. Our jaws are usually done growing by the time we’re 18 years old, and wisdom teeth tend to erupt 1-2 years after that. We have to remove them because they’re no longer designed to fit our mouths and can, in turn, cause oral pain. Dentists often monitor the following to determine if/when your wisdom teeth should be removed:
- Wisdom teeth that aren’t in the right position: This can cause food to become trapped and lead to a cavity-causing bacterial breeding ground.
- Wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted properly: This can make flossing in this area difficult & can lead to tooth decay.
- Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted: This can provide bacteria with a place to enter the gums and lead to infection as well as pain, swelling or stiffness in the jaw.
What problems can wisdom teeth cause?
The ADA recommends that wisdom teeth be removed if you’re experiencing any of the below problems:
- Pain or infection
- Cysts or tumors
- Damage to neighboring teeth
- Gum disease or tooth decay
Wisdom teeth that haven’t been removed will continue to be monitored by your dentist. As we age, we’re at a greater risk for health problems, which includes potential issues with wisdom teeth. Remember to floss around your wisdom teeth and to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to be proactive about your oral health.
As always, if you have any questions about the state of your wisdom teeth, we highly encourage that you contact us!
