Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the human mouth. These teeth usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties, and it’s estimated that about 90% of people have at least one wisdom tooth.
Despite their prevalence, however, wisdom teeth are notorious for causing trouble. They can become impacted or infected, causing pain and swelling. In some cases, they may need to be removed entirely. So why do we even have wisdom teeth in the first place? And why do some people never get them at all?
To answer these questions, we need to look back to our evolutionary history. Our ancient ancestors had larger jaws and ate a diet that was harder to chew, including tough raw meat and roots. This required more teeth and stronger jaws to handle the workload. Over time, as our diet became softer and more processed, our jaws began to shrink. But we still retained the genetic blueprint for those extra teeth.
So, does everyone get wisdom teeth? Not necessarily. Some people are born with missing wisdom teeth, while others may have only one or two. And in rare cases, a person may actually have more than four wisdom teeth.
But even if you do have all four wisdom teeth, they may not cause any problems. As long as they emerge properly and don’t crowd the other teeth, they can remain in place without issue. However, if they become impacted, infected, or cause other dental problems, it may be necessary to have them removed.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth are a relic of our evolutionary past that can sometimes cause trouble in our modern lives. While not everyone gets them, those who do may need to have them removed if they cause dental issues. By understanding the history and biology behind wisdom teeth, we can better appreciate the complexity of our own bodies and the ways in which they have evolved over time.
