Author : Dr. P. D.GUPTA
Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
Our wisdom teeth — or third molars — are your last set of adult teeth to grow in. Wisdom teeth or third molars (M3s) are the last, most posteriorly placed permanent teeth to erupt and are generally known for their eruption later in life, usually erupting between the ages 17 and 25 (though they can sometimes come earlier or later). They are thought to be called 'wisdom teeth' simply because we get them when we are older, “wiser” and in our adult years. It's possible for wisdom teeth to come in even after the age of 30. In some cases, these late-developing teeth may not cause any problems, but it's important to keep an eye on them and check with the dentist if they do appear Wisdom teeth can die like any other tooth.
Why do people get wisdom teeth?
Early humans developed those extra molars to help chew any and all uncooked food that our scavenging ancestors lived on, like roots and raw meat. Jaws were more pronounced back then, so the extra teeth fit in and enhanced their ability to consume food.
Why are wisdom teeth harmful?
Some wisdom teeth can cause dental problems including overcrowding, and impaction (wisdom tooth pushes into gum or another tooth), as shown in the figure, and cause decay and infection, leading to pain, difficulty chewing, and bad breath.
5 Wise Facts About Wisdom Teeth | Dentist Ladys Island SC ...
Most wisdom teeth have two to three roots, but they can have more. Because of this, if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, it's easier to do so before the roots start to take hold. However, surgeons do want some roots on the teeth when they remove them
Some people experience issues with their wisdom teeth when they come in and need an extraction., Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent pain, infection and other oral health problems. Impacted wisdom teeth that are causing pain or other dental problems are usually surgically removed (extracted). Extraction of a wisdom tooth is usually required for: Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease) involving the wisdom teeth. Tooth decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth. We often tell patients that if their wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any issues, they don't necessarily need to be extracted. That means your third molars can stay if they are: Healthy and don't show signs of decay. Fully erupted through the gums.
Need regular Cleaning
With all of the pain, time, and money that are put into dealing with wisdom teeth, humans have become just a little more than tired of these remnants from their large-jawed ancestors. But regardless of how much they are despised, the wisdom teeth remain and force their way into mouths irrespective of the pain inflicted. There are two possible reasons why the wisdom teeth have become vestigial. The first is that the human jaw has become smaller than its ancestors -and the wisdom teeth are trying to grow into a much too small jaw. The second reason may have to do with dental hygiene. A few thousand years ago, it might be common for an 18-year-old man to have lost several, probably most, of his teeth, and the incoming wisdom teeth would prove useful. Now that humans brush their teeth twice a day, it's possible to keep one's teeth for a lifetime. The drawback is that the wisdom teeth still want to come in, and when they do, they usually need to be extracted to prevent any serious pain. (The author has his own study and views)
