Early humans had broader, more powerful jaws to get to chew through tough plant materials and raw foods.
Modern jaws no longer have space for wisdom teeth.
So when they grow in, they can cause an array of problems.
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Many people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent these problems down the line.
Others choose to keep their wisdom teeth if they are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing issues.
Why Did Humans Need Wisdom Teeth?
Our earliest ancestors survived on a diet of raw meat, nuts, roots, berries, and leaves.
Chewing these tough, coarse, and fibrous foods required intense chewing power.
The larger jaws of our ancestors easily accommodated these third molars.
The wisdom teeth erupted in their mouths normally, without the kinds of complications humans have with them today.
In addition to these structural changes, humans changed what they eat and how they prepare it.
Jawlines have adapted to changing eating habits by becoming smaller and less broad.
What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Grow In?
Most wisdom teeth erupt (appear) around age 20.
Genetics, facial development, jaw size, and tooth size can all influence when wisdom teeth grow in.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Not everyone with wisdom teeth will experience problems.
Many people have wisdom teeth that erupt and function without issues, just like the rest of their teeth.
As a result, the wisdom teeth can get partially or entirely trapped beneath the gum line.
Wisdom teeth impaction can be quite painful.
Most people with impacted wisdom teeth experience swelling in their gums.
In some cases, a pocket (abscess) between the gum and impacted tooth can form.
An infection calledpericoronitisdevelops when bacteria accumulates there.
Pericoronitis often develops after an upper respiratory infection.
Sepsis requires immediate medical attention.
What Percent of People Develop Wisdom Teeth?
Is There Any Reason to Keep Wisdom Teeth?
There are a few instances in which wisdom teeth can be beneficial, though.
Healthy, properly aligned wisdom teeth can help with chewing, just like any other teeth.
For some people, maintaining them can provide support for adjacent teeth and prevent them from shifting.
This decision should be made in close collaboration with your dentist and other healthcare providers involved in your care.
As humans evolved, their jaws shrank, but wisdom teeth outlived their purpose.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, though.
If they are healthy, properly aligned, and functioning well, you don’t need to remove them.
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