Wisdom Teeth: Info. For The Wise

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that, despite their name, have nothing to do with intellect or wisdom. They are named for the fact that they grow in later than other teeth. They come in later in life when individuals are presumably wiser than when the other teeth grew in as a child. Most people will get their wisdom teeth when they are between 16 and 25 years old, which is the age of wisdom. Many people visit a dentist to have the wisdom teeth removed shortly after they start erupting. When these teeth grow in, they can affect the other teeth and cause problems with the jaw because the mouth is too crowded and there is not enough room for them to grow in properly.

The Purpose Of Wisdom Teeth In The Past

Centuries ago, people would lose their teeth due to rot or trauma. Most people would lose their first tooth by the time they reached their early 20s. Wisdom teeth would replace those that fell out and fill in the empty spaces. Some anthropologists believe that the development of wisdom teeth came about through evolution due to diet, which included nuts, roots, and meat and required more power when chewing. This is one possible explanation for the existence of wisdom teeth.

Some experts believe the jaw of ancient man was significantly larger and had enough room to accommodate extra teeth. As diet changed over time, the jaw got smaller but wisdom teeth continued to grow. Third molars were no longer necessary because man was consuming softer foods and used eating implements, including forks, knives, and spoons. This is why evolutionary biologists believe the third molars are vestigial organs.

Modern scientists have found evidence that the third molars actually do appear when an individual is wiser. Studies indicate the human brain grows and develops through adolescence. Many experts believe the brain is not fully mature until the age of 25. The term wisdom tooth is accurate when considering this fact.

Reasons Behind The Removal Of Wisdom Teeth

People have their wisdom teeth removed for multiple reasons, including:

• Having them removed early in life is safer and easier than keeping them
• They serve no useful purpose
• They can cause health problems with the jaw

When wisdom teeth grow in, they put pressure on the surrounding teeth causing discomfort, pain, or more serious health complications. Individuals should consult with a dentist to discuss the best course of action when dealing with wisdom teeth.

If you or a loved one need to remove your wisdom teeth or for any other questions and concerns about your dental health, it is important that you schedule a dental checkup immediately. At Family Dental Service, we prioritize all of  your dental health needs to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape. Our professional and caring staff includes 2 full-time general dentists and 4 full-time hygienists in our Allentown PA office.  We also have specialists such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist and an endodontist.

Wisdom Teeth: Info. For The Wise