Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you get you third set of adult molars (known as wisdom teeth) it’s possible you don’t have enough space or they are coming in at an odd angle. These wisdom teeth often lead to pain, discomfort and infection. So it’s a common questions people ask -why do we have wisdom teeth?

Is there a point to these teeth that give us so much trouble? There are a few theories behind why we have wisdom teeth.

Reason that we have wisdom teeth

In the past humans are raw and rough foods. Our diet involves much tougher and raw vegetables and meats, and grittier foods as well. This diet caused more wear to human teeth. This meant we needed every single tooth available to chew well.

Why don’t wisdom teeth fit anymore

There are two theories behind why wisdom teeth don’t fit in our jaws anymore

1. Given that our diets used to be rougher and wore teeth more quickly, there was more space for the wisdom teeth as the other teeth wore down.
2. The other main theory behind why wisdom teeth don’t fit anymore is that our jaws have slightly reduced in size over thousands of years.

Is it possible to not have wisdom teeth

Most of us will get four wisdom teeth (making up 32 total). Not everyone has wisdom teeth, in fact some people don’t have any at all.
It is not uncommon for people to only have two or three wisdom teeth total.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed

Wisdom teeth need to be removed if they are causing infection or damage to other teeth or the jaws
1. Persistent gum infection

2. Impaction destroying teeth nearby

3. Orthodontist (braces) reasons

4. Bone infection caused by impaction

5. Weakening of jaw caused by odd shape or direction of wisdom tooth