We develop 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.
Unfortunately, the course of growing teeth can be uncomfortable. After all, the discomfort babies experience when teething symptoms start is notorious. Wisdom teeth can come in easily but can also cause excruciating pain and complications that warrant a closer look (for example, surgical procedures).
But what are wisdom teeth exactly? And why do we have them at all? At what age do wisdom teeth come in? Does everyone have wisdom teeth? How do you know when to remove them? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.
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. The lower jaw and teeth shrank and realigned.
Evolutionary studies reveal that people who consumed softer diets, such as those in mediaeval farming communities, recorded poorer oral health and crooked teeth were more likely to have crooked teeth compared to 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.
When do wisdom teeth come in?
People usually develop these third molars from their late teens to mid-twenties, specifically between ages 17 and 25. For some lucky ones, third molars grow without a problem. Others may experience tooth pain or other symptoms requiring extraction when wisdom teeth come in.
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Although most people will have at least one wisdom tooth, not everyone has them. It’s common to have only one tooth or two or three, and not necessarily the whole set of four. Or you could have no wisdom teeth at all.
Why do we have wisdom teeth today?
One theory suggests that wisdom teeth result from an evolutionary mismatch. After all, civilisation and industry developed quickly after the Agricultural Revolution began in the mid-17th century that the human body may have needed more time to catch up.
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 a mystery. Many experts believe they serve a purpose, acting as a backup in case of damage or loss the way they used to in prehistoric times.
However, others argue wisdom teeth are simply vestigial – leftovers from earlier stages of evolution and something most people just have to deal with.
What problems are associated with wisdom teeth?
Although modern diets have phased out the need for wisdom teeth, they can still cause problems for many people. Wisdom teeth often get impacted, meaning they do not emerge properly from the gums.
This can result in the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection
- Difficulty brushing teeth 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
What are the symptoms to look for before wisdom teeth extraction?
How do you know when you need to remove your wisdom teeth? Here are the most common signs to look for before booking an appointment with your dentist for a wisdom tooth extraction.
1. Extreme pain
Oral pain that doesn’t subside after brushing, flossing, or taking painkillers is a sign to visit your dentist.
Finding the cause of your pain is essential for its management. So, expect your dental practitioner to conduct multiple checks and request X-rays to pinpoint the cause of the persistent ache. If they conclude that your third molars are the main culprit, they’ll likely proceed with wisdom tooth removal.
2. Swollen gums
Growing wisdom teeth can irritate your gums akin to teething infants and toddlers. Wisdom teeth that break through incorrectly cause the gums to feel tight and hot. They’ll also look reddish and swollen.
3. Persistent cavities
Crowded or angled wisdom teeth can create hard-to-reach areas prone to tartar buildup and cavities. If you experience tooth decay in these parts, it may be a sign your molars are causing problems. Removing your wisdom teeth can reduce the areas where bacteria can thrive, making it less likely for cavities to form.
4. Teeth crowding
Larger wisdom teeth can cause problems as most mouths don’t have sufficient space to accommodate them. If left to grow, they can cause other teeth to shift and become crowded, leading to discomfort and disrupting teeth alignment.
5. Jaw issues
Disrupted jaw movements can interfere with chewing and digestion. Some attribute this to temporomandibular joint disorder, but another common cause is wisdom teeth. A Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology study reveals that People with impacted third molars in the upper jaw have a higher chance of chronic pain in the face, jaw, or mouth.
6. Sinus congestion
Wisdom teeth that sprout roots into the upper jaw can cause pressure on the sinuses. Eventually, they lead to discomfort, including sinus pain, congestion, and headaches. Your third molars can also cause an infection in the sinus cavities, which results in a fever, bad breath, and nasal discharge.
Are you experiencing any or all these symptoms? Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess your condition. A dental professional should be able to answer questions like, “Do you have to get your wisdom teeth out?” and advise you on what to do next.
When do you need wisdom teeth removed?
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 dentist to work out the ideal treatment plan for your condition and lifestyle.
What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?
According to the American Dental Association, “a wisdom tooth that is impacted can form a cyst on or near the impacted tooth. This could damage the roots of nearby teeth or destroy the bone that supports your teeth.” If you go too long without consultation or treatment, you risk damaging your other teeth.
What should or shouldn’t you do after a wisdom tooth extraction?
While wisdom tooth extractions are generally straightforward, proper aftercare is essential. A Swiss Dental Journal study found that 8.4% of people who have undergone molar removal experienced some complications, including the following:
- Bleeding after surgery
- Infection
- Abscesses
- Dehiscence or the reopening of wounds
- Temporary nerve damage
- Dry socket, a condition that occurs when a clot does not form over the extraction area.
To avoid these issues, brush up on dos and don’ts after the procedure.
What to do after a molar extraction
- Keep your head elevated to reduce any swelling.
- Ice your cheek for the first 24 to 48 hours to manage the pain.
- Stick to a soft food or liquid diet. Transition to hard foods slowly as your mouth starts to heal.
- Practice jaw exercises by gently opening and closing your mouth.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Follow your prescription medication schedule. Skipping a dose can interfere with the healing process.
- Brush your teeth from the second day after surgery but avoid the extraction site.
- Call your dental provider immediately if you develop recurring or extreme pain or swelling.
Things to avoid after wisdom teeth removal
- Don’t use a straw when drinking. Avoid sucking, spitting, or smoking. These movements can dislodge the protective blood clot that forms over the extraction site. If the clot becomes detached, it can lead to more bleeding and pain.
- Skip sharp or hard food for at least a week. Some examples are pretzels, potato chips, crackers, and popcorn.
- Don’t use ice packs for more than 48 hours after your extraction. Instead, switch to a warm compress. Alternatively, gently swishing with hot water can alleviate the pain and promote healing.
- Refrain from rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
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. Also, don’t wait for any symptoms to become unbearable before considering extraction. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, immediately consult your dental provider for treatment options.
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
National Dental Care. (n.d.) Does everyone have wisdom teeth? Nationaldentalcare.com.au.
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth. MouthHealthy.com.
Mksoud, M., Ittermann, T., Daboul, A., Schneider, P., Bernhardt, O., Koppe, T., Bülow, R.,
Metelmann, H., Völzke, H., & Kindler, S. (2020). Are third molars associated with orofacial pain? Findings from the SHIP study. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 48(5), 364–370.
The most common complications after wisdom-tooth removal: part 1: a retrospective study of 1,199 cases in the mandible. (2014b). PubMed.
