Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to come in and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are so named because they appear at a time when people have supposedly grown more ‘wise’. Despite their name, wisdom teeth can bring many problems with them. Many people have to have them removed because they can cause a lot of pain and health problems if they become impacted or misaligned. So why do we even have wisdom teeth?Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the other teeth. Wisdom teeth usually come in fours, two on top and two on bottom. In some cases, a person may not get any wisdom teeth or may only get one or two instead of four.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Grow?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to come in. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. The exact cause of wisdom tooth growth is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
Genetics play a role in when and how many wisdom teeth will erupt. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to have more than the average four wisdom teeth or fewer than four. Research shows that certain ethnic groups are more likely to have impacted wisdom teeth.
The type and amount of food consumed may also affect the growth of wisdom teeth. A diet low in calcium and other essential minerals can lead to delayed eruption or no eruption at all. On the other hand, a balanced diet high in calcium and other nutrients can help promote healthy tooth growth.
Lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using drugs can also affect the eruption of wisdom teeth by causing changes in hormone levels which can alter tooth development.
Finally, oral hygiene habits can play a role in the health and development of wisdom teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build up which can cause infection that could delay or prevent eruption of the teeth altogether.
Overall, it is unclear exactly what causes wisdom teeth to grow but it is thought that genetics, diet and lifestyle all play a part in their development.
Wisdom Teeth Necessary?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to appear in most adults. These teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. While wisdom teeth are not necessary for the mouth to function properly, they can cause significant problems for some people. When there is insufficient room in the jaw for them to grow, wisdom teeth can become impacted or partially erupt, leading to pain and infection. In these cases, it is usually recommended that they be removed.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may be able to stay in the mouth without causing any issues. This may be due to sufficient space in the jaw or because the teeth have erupted properly and are properly aligned without crowding other teeth. If this is the case, there is no need for them to be removed.
The decision of whether or not to remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis with input from a dentist or oral surgeon. It is important to consider factors such as age, health history, condition of existing teeth and overall oral health before making a decision about whether or not removal is necessary.
In general, if wisdom teeth are causing pain or alignment problems with other existing teeth it is best to have them removed as soon as possible. Leaving impacted wisdom tooth can lead to more serious problems down the road including infection and gum disease. On the other hand, if they are not causing any issues it may be best to leave them alone unless and until complications arise.
Ultimately it is up to you and your dentist or oral surgeon to decide whether removal of your wisdom teeth is necessary or not based on your individual situation.
How Many Wisdom Teeth Does a Person Have?
The average person has four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21, but some people have them much earlier or never at all. Wisdom teeth can be removed if they are causing pain or crowding other teeth, but it is not always necessary. It is important to monitor your wisdom teeth and see a dentist regularly to ensure they are growing in properly.
Wisdom teeth can be impacted, which means they are trapped under the gum line or growing in sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and infection, so it is important to see a dentist if you experience any symptoms such as swelling or tenderness in your gums. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, your dentist will discuss the best treatment plan for you.
If you have trouble brushing around your wisdom teeth, you may want to consider an alternate oral hygiene regimen such as water flossing or using an electric toothbrush with a small head. This will help keep your mouth clean without irritating your gums or causing more discomfort.
It is important to monitor your wisdom teeth for any changes and contact your dentist if you experience any pain or discomfort around them. Your dentist can tell you how many wisdom teeth you have and what type of treatment is best for you. Having regular check-ups will ensure that your mouth stays healthy and free of problems related to wisdom teeth development.
In summary, most people have four wisdom teeth that come in between the ages of 17 and 21. If they become impacted or cause pain or infection, it is important to see a dentist for assessment and treatment options. Additionally, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene around these areas to keep your mouth healthy and free of problems related to wisdom tooth development.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the very back of your mouth. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, although they can erupt at any age. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, headaches, and infection.
The most common symptom of impacted wisdom teeth is pain. This can range from mild to severe and may be localized to the area where the tooth is impacted or spread throughout your jaw. It can be particularly painful when you chew or apply pressure to the area. You may also notice swelling in your gums near where the tooth is impacted.
Another symptom of impacted wisdom teeth is stiffness in your jaw. This might feel like a dull ache or tightness that makes it difficult to open your mouth wide or move it side-to-side. You might also experience headaches and earaches due to pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause an infection. Signs of infection include redness and tenderness in your gums and a bad taste in your mouth due to pus draining from the affected area. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of your body and become life-threatening.
If you have any symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms but may include antibiotics for infections or surgery to remove impacted teeth if necessary.
When Should I Have my Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and often need to be removed. While some people never have issues with their wisdom teeth, many others experience pain, infection, and overcrowding due to lack of room in the mouth. In these cases, it is best to have the wisdom teeth removed in order to prevent further complications.
It is important to speak with your dentist if you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist can examine your mouth and provide you with advice on whether or not removal is necessary. If it is determined that removal is necessary, they can also provide recommendations for an oral surgeon who can perform the procedure.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may be able to remain in the mouth without causing any problems. However, this isn’t always the case. Many people experience pain when their wisdom teeth emerge and should have them removed as soon as possible to avoid any further discomfort or risk of infection. Even if there are no immediate signs of problems, it’s still important for dentists to monitor your wisdom teeth regularly in order to ensure that they are not growing in a way that could cause problems later on down the line.
Overall, it’s important to speak with your dentist about whether or not having your wisdom teeth removed is necessary for you. They will be able to provide advice on whether or not removal is necessary based on the current status of your mouth and any potential risks that could arise from leaving them in place.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Removing Wisdom Teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth is a common procedure, but there are some risks and complications that can occur. The most common complication is infection, which can occur when bacteria enter the open wound created by the extraction. Other complications include pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, nerve damage, and dry socket. In rare cases, the removal of wisdom teeth can cause facial nerve damage or even jaw fracture.
Patients should also be aware of the potential for long-term problems such as sinus or gum issues due to changes in the jaw structure. Some patients may also experience numbness in their lips or tongue due to nerve damage caused by the removal of wisdom teeth. Additionally, there is a risk of developing TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) after wisdom tooth extraction due to misalignment of the teeth or jawbone.
It is important to discuss all potential risks and complications with your dentist before having your wisdom teeth removed. In some cases, it may be recommended that you receive antibiotics before surgery to reduce your risk of infection. Your dentist will also explain any post-operative care instructions that you should follow after your procedure to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
It is important to understand that while there are some risks associated with removing wisdom teeth, most people experience no major complications from this type of procedure. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after having your wisdom teeth removed, contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that can help you avoid dental problems in the future. Preparing for wisdom tooth surgery can help ensure that the process runs smoothly and that you recover quickly. Here are some tips on how to prepare for wisdom tooth surgery:
Talk to Your Dentist: Before undergoing any type of surgery, it’s important to have an open dialogue with your dentist. Make sure you understand what type of procedure will be performed, the risks associated with it, and any potential complications that may arise.
Gather Necessary Supplies: Once you have discussed the procedure with your dentist, it’s time to gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need soft foods like applesauce and soup; gauze pads for bleeding; an ice pack; and a soft-bristled toothbrush and mouthwash for cleaning your teeth after the procedure.
Take Time off from Work or School: Since wisdom tooth removal is considered major oral surgery, it’s important to take time off from work or school so that you can rest and recover properly. The amount of time needed will depend on the complexity of the procedure – if more than one tooth needs to be removed, you may need more time off than if just one was extracted.
Eat Lightly Before Surgery: Eating lightly before your wisdom tooth surgery can help reduce nausea during and after the procedure. Try to avoid high-fat or spicy foods as they can cause discomfort when anesthesia is administered.
Follow Post-op Instructions Carefully: Once the surgery is complete, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for yourself at home while you recover. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully as they will help ensure a speedy recovery and prevent infection or other complications from developing.
Conclusion
Our wisdom teeth are a physical reminder of our evolutionary history. We can only speculate why we still have them, but it is likely that they served a purpose for early humans, and the evolutionary process has not yet caught up with modern times. As such, our wisdom teeth may be a vestigial organ with little to no practical use today. With proper care and monitoring, however, most people can avoid the potential risks associated with wisdom teeth and live a long and healthy life.
Wisdom teeth can be an uncomfortable reminder of our evolutionary past, yet they can still serve an important purpose in the present. By understanding their potential risks and getting regular check-ups from your dentist, you can ensure that your wisdom teeth remain healthy and safe.