Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to grow in. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone has wisdom teeth, and some people may only have one or two. In this article, we will explore the point of wisdom teeth, why they often cause problems, and whether they should be removed.
The Evolutionary Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are thought to date back to our distant ancestors who had larger jaws and more teeth. Our ancestors’ primitive diet consisted of a lot of raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meats, and wisdom teeth were necessary to grind these foods for proper digestion. Today, modern food preparation and eating utensils have eliminated our need for wisdom teeth. As we got used to these dietary changes, our bodies went through some small evolutionary changes, and our jaws became smaller. This is why many people do not have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.
Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Most problems caused by wisdom teeth are due to the fact that they just don’t fit. Whether visible or not, wisdom teeth can cause oral health problems. Wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted through the gums are known as impacted teeth. Sometimes this causes even more problems than visible wisdom teeth do. Problems associated with wisdom teeth include:
- Infection: Wisdom teeth are more susceptible to infection than most other teeth for a few reasons. Their position in the very back of the mouth can make it difficult to floss next to them correctly, allowing bacteria to multiply. Because they emerge into a mouth already full of teeth, wisdom teeth can also remain partially impacted, creating more hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. In some cases, soft tissue can grow over the partially erupted tooth, trapping bacteria and food particles underneath.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and bite problems.
- Decay: Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can cause cysts or tumors to form around them.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Dentists and oral surgeons generally recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are causing problems or are likely to in the future. For example, if a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, it may be difficult to clean and more susceptible to infection. In many people, wisdom teeth don't break through the gum and grow out – or only part of them does. Up to 80% of young adults in Europe have at least one wisdom tooth that hasn't broken through. This is more common in the lower jaw than it is in the upper jaw. Wisdom teeth that don't break through (sometimes also called “impacted” wisdom teeth) often don't cause any problems. But they sometimes lead to pain, swelling, tooth decay, or inflamed gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may also push other teeth out of the way.
There are no scientifically proven health benefits of pulling wisdom teeth that don't cause any problems. What's more, removing wisdom teeth is usually unpleasant and may cause side effects. However, if a wisdom tooth is causing problems, removing it can prevent further complications. Dentists and oral surgeons generally don't remove wisdom teeth as a preventive measure past age 27, because the risks of complications, such as damage to nearby nerves, increase.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth were once necessary for our ancestors to grind tough foods, but they are no longer needed in modern humans. Most problems caused by wisdom teeth are due to the fact that they just don’t fit. Whether visible or not, wisdom teeth can cause oral health problems, including infection, crowding, decay, and cysts or tumors. Dentists and oral surgeons generally recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are causing problems or are likely to in the future. However, there are no scientifically proven health benefits of pulling wisdom teeth that don't cause any problems.
Citations:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-have-wisdom-teeth
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23223-wisdom-teeth
[3] https://www.livescience.com/why-wisdom-teeth-emerge-late
[4] https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279591/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
Comments
Post a Comment