By: Michelle Hua
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars and are the last of your teeth to grow in. In the past, wisdom teeth were essential for humans. The tough foods we ate required this third set of teeth, and ancient humans also possessed larger jaws that allowed for these teeth to grow in. However, in our modern era, wisdom teeth have become more of a nuisance rather than a necessity, and many people who have them often remove them during their teenage and early adult years.
The reason why people now regularly remove their wisdom teeth is due to the danger of impacted teeth. As most humans now have smaller jaws, the wisdom teeth may not have enough room to fully erupt like other teeth. Because of this, they have a tendency to grow sideways, which can affect other teeth. Wisdom teeth can also only emerge partially, which can lead to a whole of issues, ranging from jaw pain to infection and diseases. Due to these potential problems, most people have them removed early, as the later you take out your wisdom teeth, the more painful it could be.
Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people’s wisdom teeth grow in properly and do not affect the adjacent molars. Even if they experience some pain afterward, it can usually be alleviated by changing their oral hygiene routine to accommodate their new teeth. In other cases, some may not possess wisdom teeth at all. For these people, wisdom teeth shouldn’t be much of an issue to deal with.
If you haven’t grown your wisdom teeth in, it’s important to have regular visits with your dentist in order to keep track of their growth and development. Having a professional opinion on this matter is the most important guidance you can have on dealing you your wisdom teeth. Although it may not seem like it, your teeth make up a pivotal part of your body and are not easily replaced.
