Our mouths are a complex system of teeth, bones, muscles, and nerves that exist to facilitate the act of eating. But why do we have wisdom teeth? In many cases, our mouths are simply not large enough to accommodate the extra molars, resulting in the need to have them removed. While they were once necessary for our ancient ancestors, modern humans no longer need their wisdom teeth, and in fact, they can cause serious problems if left untreated.
The development of wisdom teeth was a response to the necessity for strong chewing to counteract excessive wear. Our diets now are less spartan than those of our forefathers. The necessity for wisdom teeth is almost entirely obsolete because of technological marvels like forks, spoons, knives, and softer food. However, 65% of people, on average, are born with wisdom teeth, which typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
Although our ancestors found wisdom teeth to be of great use, they can be somewhat problematic in today’s mouths. Wisdom teeth are frequently either too large for the jaw, or the jaws themselves are simply too little because humans have evolved to have smaller jaws. Third molars crowd the mouth in any case. Since there isn’t enough room, molars frequently develop sideways and only partially poke through the gums or even get stuck between the gums and jawbone. These impacted wisdom teeth may be persistently infected with microorganisms linked to gum disease, dental decay, infection, and inflammation. Additionally, it might be difficult or even impossible to keep them clean because they are so far back in the mouth or wedged between gums. Even after completely erupting, wisdom teeth are located so far back in the mouth that food can easily become trapped there, causing plaque, cavities, and gum disease.
Although our predecessors valued wisdom teeth highly, oral health today is severely harmed by them. If you want to find out if your wisdom teeth can be extracted, call Biltmore Oral & Facial Surgery.
When do wisdom teeth erupt?
All of a person’s teeth, located higher up in the anatomy of the skull, are present at birth. 20 baby teeth first erupt and then fall out in a set. 32 permanent teeth then erupt. Typically, the first set of molars appears around age 6, the second set around age 12, and the last set, or wisdom teeth, before age 21. Your wisdom teeth may not be completely visible, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Sometimes wisdom teeth never fully develop and never show. If you have wisdom teeth buried behind your gums, an X-ray can confirm this.
Your wisdom teeth may not be completely visible, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Sometimes wisdom teeth never fully develop and never show. If you have wisdom teeth buried behind your gums, an X-ray can confirm this. To know more about wisdom teeth, visit London Square Dental. Call us at (403) 291-4945 to book an appointment today!
