Ever wondered, “Why do we have wisdom teeth?” These ‘extra’ molars at the back of the mouth don’t seem to do much for most people – except maybe cause a little trouble! Yet, millions of people worldwide have at least one or more of them. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, is here to explain the fascinating development of third molars in human anatomy.
Are wisdom teeth causing you pain? You may need to say goodbye to these extra molars. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Julie Glue at Dental Care of Lombard to see if wisdom teeth removal is right for you. Just call our Lombard, IL, dental clinic at (630) 629-5700 to get started.
So, why do we have wisdom teeth, what purpose did they serve in our evolutionary journey, and why do some people need them removed while others can live just fine with them? Let’s dive into the story behind these late-blooming teeth.
The Origins: Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
So, why do we have wisdom teeth? Anthropologists believe these molars were once crucial for our survival. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors had a diet that was quite different from ours.
Picture this: instead of pasta, soft bread, and smoothies, they were munching on tough, coarse food like roots, raw meat, and nuts. Their teeth had to work extra hard to break down these foods.
Wisdom teeth provided additional grinding power for early humans, helping them chew through food that today’s dental set would probably struggle with. These extra molars were a great help for survival back in the day. In the age of processed foods, however, we’re not relying on them like we used to.
Evolutionary Purpose: Wisdom Teeth in Ancient Diets
So, why do we have wisdom teeth if we don’t really use them today? Evolution is a gradual process, and it takes a while for the body to stop developing features that no longer serve an essential purpose.
For our ancestors, wisdom teeth were just as important as any other molars. Their diet wore down teeth faster, leading to gaps where wisdom teeth could comfortably grow in as a natural backup.
In modern times, dental hygiene and softer diets mean our first and second molars don’t wear down nearly as quickly. So, by the time wisdom teeth come in (usually around ages 17 to 25), most mouths don’t have space to accommodate them comfortably.
Why Are Some People Born Without Wisdom Teeth?
If you’re one of those lucky people who don’t have wisdom teeth, you might wonder why some people have them while others don’t. The truth is, evolution has already started phasing wisdom teeth out!
Due to changes in our diet and jaw structure over thousands of years, some people are simply not born with wisdom teeth anymore. Scientists believe that as human evolution continues, the number of people without wisdom teeth will gradually increase.
Genetics also plays a role here. If your parents didn’t have wisdom teeth, you’re more likely to miss out on them as well. It’s estimated that up to 20% of people are now born without one or more wisdom teeth, making it an interesting example of evolution in action.
Why Do Some People Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
So, we’ve answered the question, “Why do we have wisdom teeth?” Now, the next question is, “Why do some people need them removed?” Not everyone needs to go through wisdom teeth extraction, but it’s a common procedure for many reasons:
Lack of Space
For many people, the jaw simply doesn’t have enough room for these extra teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth can knock neighboring teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and discomfort.
Impaction
Wisdom teeth often don’t fully emerge, which can lead to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth are either stuck below the gum line or only partially emerge, which can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
Oral Health Issues
Because wisdom teeth are located so far back, they’re often hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
Some people have enough space for their wisdom teeth, and these teeth come in fully without any problems. In those cases, wisdom teeth removal isn’t usually necessary, though routine check-ups can help ensure they remain healthy.
The Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal
If our Lombard dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, it’s often best to follow Dr. Glud’s advice sooner rather than later. Delaying wisdom teeth removal can lead to several complications:
Crowded Teeth
Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can press against surrounding teeth, causing them to migrate and crowd together. This crowding may interfere with the alignment of your bite, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment to correct.
Infections and Inflammation
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can easily trap food and bacteria, leading to painful infections and inflammation. This can become a recurring issue if left untreated.
Cysts or Tumors
In rare cases, untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that develop around the tooth. Over time, cysts can damage the jawbone and nearby teeth. Very rarely, tumors can also form.
Most dentists recommend early wisdom teeth extraction (typically in the late teens or early twenties) because the teeth haven’t fully rooted yet, and recovery tends to be quicker and easier.
So, Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a fascinating leftover from our evolutionary past. They are an extra set of molars that once helped our ancestors survive on tough, unprocessed foods.
As our diets and lifestyles evolved, these teeth became less necessary, and our jaws adapted to the change. Nowadays, wisdom teeth are more often a hassle than a help, which is why so many people opt to have them removed.
Some people are lucky enough to be born without wisdom teeth altogether, a sign that evolution is already phasing out this once-useful feature. For those who do have wisdom teeth, modern dentistry at Dental Care of Lombard provides safe and effective ways to manage or remove them when necessary.
Be Wise – Schedule a Dental Check-up in Lombard, IL!
Whether you’re blessed with a wisdom-tooth-free smile or managing the ones you have, it’s best to get your smile checked yearly by a trusted dental professional. So, let Dr. Julie Glud and the team at Dental Care of Lombard help. Contact our Lombard, IL, dentist online, or call (630) 629-5700 for an appointment now.
