A human develops teeth in phases, from the dental substance that forms in the womb to the permanent ones that grow later in life. Wisdom teeth are the last set that appears, taking up the rear of your oral cavity. People usually develop these third molars from their late teens to their mid-twenties, but others don’t get them at all. It begs the question: why? And if some people don’t have them, what are they really for?
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a byproduct of evolutionary history, and they hint at how the human diet has changed. The earliest humans survived on a menu of tough plant material and indigestible fibres. They had to develop larger and stronger jaws and more teeth to manage the extensive chewing required to break down their food. These superfluous chompers included extra molars at the back of the mouth to replace teeth lost due to wear and tear or damage.
Over time, the need for large jaws and extra teeth diminished as humans consumed more cooked and processed food. Mandibles and teeth shrank and realigned. Interestingly, evolutionary studies reveal that people who practised softer diets, such as those in medieval farming communities, recorded poorer oral health and crooked teeth than hunter-gatherers, who had straighter dentition and fewer cavities. Despite these changes, wisdom teeth remain – a remnant of a past long gone.
Wisdom teeth usually come in four – two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. However, not everyone will grow a complete set.
So, Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth Today?
One theory suggests that wisdom teeth could be the result of an evolutionary mismatch. After all, civilisation and industry transformed exponentially after the Agricultural Revolution, so the human body may have caught up that fast.
Another theory proposes that wisdom teeth may be related to brain development. According to the Smithsonian Institute’s Human Origins Program, the size and complexity of the human brain have increased over time, which may have led to changes in skull shape and jaw size. Some researchers believe that the development of wisdom teeth may be related to these changes, as the teeth may help to support the larger skull and brain.
Despite these theories, the precise explanation for why we still have wisdom teeth today remains somewhat of a mystery. Many experts believe wisdom teeth serve a purpose, acting as backup in case of damage or loss the way they used to in prehistoric times. However, others postulate wisdom teeth are simply vestigial – just something most people have to deal with.
What are the Problems With Wisdom Teeth?
Although history has phased out the need for wisdom teeth, they can still cause problems for many people. Wisdom teeth get impacted often, meaning they do not emerge properly from the gums. This can result in the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection
- Difficulty brushing and flossing, as food and bacteria can get stuck between the wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it
- Tooth decay
- A gum problem called pericoronitis
When Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You might need to have your teeth pulled if they don’t develop properly. What happens if you don’t remove wisdom teeth? They can lean sideways and rub against your cheek, making chewing difficult and causing painful ulcers. If they lean forward, they might cause the rest of your teeth to shift and crowd together. Misaligned teeth offer little nooks for bacteria to thrive and wreak havoc on your oral health.
When this happens, your dental practitioner may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction so you can enjoy straighter teeth and a proper bite, making oral care a much more pleasant experience.
If you have any post-wisdom-tooth crookedness, you might want to straighten things out with ClearCorrect. It’s an invisible aligner that uses a groundbreaking tri-layer ClearQuartz material and a flat trimline to put errant teeth back in place as subtly and effectively as possible. ClearCorrect certified dentists and orthodontists also use ClearPilot, a patented digital planning tool that lets you visualise every course in your journey. It allows you and your doctor to work out the ideal treatment plan for your condition and lifestyle.
Wisdom teeth are a reminder of how far the human body has come. But whether you have one, none, or four, never let them get in the way of your oral hygiene.
References:
Alex, B. (2021, February 10). Why Do Humans Have Wisdom Teeth That Need to Be Removed? Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/why-do-humans-have-wisdom-teeth-that-need-to-be-removed
Ouassime, K., Rachid, A., Amine, K., Ousmane, B., & Faiçal, S. (2021). The wisdom behind the third molars removal: A prospective study of 106 cases. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 68, 102639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102639
Boughner, J. (2018, November 9). Bad molars? The origins of wisdom teeth. News. https://news.usask.ca/articles/research/2018/bad-molars-the-origins-of-wisdom-teeth.php
