Wisdom teeth have an awesome name; they might even make you feel like a genius. Unfortunately, these third molars have nothing to do with a person’s intelligence. They’re called that because they usually emerge from the gums when a person is an adult and supposedly “wiser” than they were in childhood. You might wonder, though, why do we have wisdom teeth? Furthermore, why do so many people have to get them removed? Your dentist in Harrisonburg is here to discuss this fascinating topic.
The Reason Behind Wisdom Teeth
Humans have several vestigial structures (body parts that don’t serve a necessary function in the body). These somewhat useless features of our bodies include the appendix, the tailbone, and — you guessed it — wisdom teeth.
The prominent theory about why we have these extra teeth relates to the idea of evolution. The theory states that during the early days of humanity, our ancestors had a hearty diet that was full of roots, nuts, meats, leaves, and other coarse foods. This rough diet exposed their teeth to lots of wear and tear, making a third set of molars necessary.
As our species became more civilized, so did our diets. We started to eat softer foods that weren’t so harsh on our pearly whites, and we started to use forks and spoons to make eating easier. As a result, wisdom teeth slipped into obsolescence.
Not all modern humans develop wisdom teeth, while some get more than four of these extra molars.
Why Some People Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
The theory behind wisdom teeth also states that human mouths have become smaller over the generations. Therefore, there isn’t always room to accommodate all of the regular teeth in addition to four wisdom teeth. This issue of space can lead to serious oral health issues. The wisdom teeth might become impacted (not fully erupted from the gums), increasing the risk of infection. These third molars might also push other teeth out of alignment.
Many dental professionals recommend that their patients get their wisdom teeth removed, but this isn’t always necessary. For some people, their third molars serve as perfectly functional parts of their smile. However, there is no way to predict who will or will not suffer from wisdom teeth complications. That’s why many people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed even if they aren’t causing any issues at present.
If you’re wondering if you should get your wisdom teeth removed, you should schedule a visit to your dentist. During the exam, they can take X-rays to look at the back of your mouth. You can find out if you have wisdom teeth and if they look like they may cause issues in the future. Then, you can make an informed decision about whether to have the teeth extracted.
Evolution is the dominant theory behind our oftentimes pesky third molars. Thankfully, modern dental medicine has progressed to the point where we’re able to stop wisdom teeth from ravaging our precious smiles. If you are among the millions who have them, you and your dentist should keep a close eye on them so they don’t land you in a world of hurt.
About Us
Dr. Douglas Wright, one of the three talented dentists in our office, would be glad to examine your wisdom teeth. If it looks like you need to have them extracted, he’ll refer you to an expert oral surgeon who can perform the procedure for you. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, please contact us at 540-432-6616.