Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth: Understanding the Benefits for Your Oral Health
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 to 25. However, many people are advised to have these teeth removed due to space limitations or fears of potential dental complications. But what if we told you that keeping your wisdom teeth could actually benefit your oral health?
In this article, we’ll discuss why holding onto your wisdom teeth may be the best choice for your dental wellbeing. So, if you’re curious about making an informed decision about your third molars, keep on reading!
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Before we dive into the advantages of keeping your wisdom teeth, let’s first understand what these teeth are and why they may cause problems.
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that usually appear in the back of your mouth behind your second molars. The role of these teeth is to help grind tough foods and promote overall dental health. However, often these teeth begin to emerge when there is insufficient space in your mouth, leading to emerging problems.
Why Removing Wisdom Teeth Isn’t Always Necessary
As we mentioned earlier, it’s typical to remove wisdom teeth when they cause trouble. However, if your dentist tells you that removing wisdom teeth is the only way to avoid dental problems, you have a right to know the pros and cons.
One common issue with removing wisdom teeth is the possibility of nerve damage. This can lead to numbness on the tongue, lips or chin, and it may be temporary or permanent. Worse yet, nerve damage to the mandibular nerve can cause bone loss, making the jaws more prone to fractures and other complications.
Another risk of removing wisdom teeth is post-operative swelling and pain. Some patients might experience swelling, pain, and bruising from tissue damage or complications with the surgery. With proper care, patients can recover without any significant difficulties. However, it is still a risk to consider when weighing the benefits of dental health and oral surgery.
Benefits of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Although many dentists suggest removing wisdom teeth, they aren’t always an issue and can provide useful benefits to your oral health. Here are some examples:
– Wisdom teeth can provide excellent support. The third molars help keep all molars aligned and maintaining the overall dental structure.
– The molars can effectively guard other teeth against gum disease. Studies suggest that wisdom teeth can help fight off harmful bacteria, which can protect surrounding teeth.
– Wisdom teeth protect the jawbone. Without these teeth, the jaw can weaken, leading to additional complications.
With these advantages, keeping wisdom teeth can be beneficial for your overall dental health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are at a crossroads with your wisdom teeth, consider the potential benefits of keeping them. While it is essential to identify any emerging problems with your teeth, wisdom teeth may also serve a role in supporting your dental health. However, always rely on your dentist’s advice and be sure to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. The bottom line is that a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, and with the right choices, you can protect your dental health and keep your natural teeth for as long as possible!
