You have likely heard of "wisdom teeth." You may have experienced pain from them yourself, or perhaps you've heard friends or family members talking about their own experiences. Let’s break down everything you need to know about wisdom teeth in simple, straightforward terms.
So, what are wisdom teeth?
Simply put, wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to emerge in your mouth. They are also known as "third molars" and are located at the very back of your mouth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth emerge perfectly without causing any issues. However, it is very common for these teeth to become trapped under the gumline, unable to fully break through. We call these "impacted wisdom teeth." This is when problems typically begin, as they can lead to infections, cavities, gum disease, and various other oral health complications. This is why many dentists recommend having them removed.
However, keep in mind that not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some people get them, and some do not—both are perfectly normal. If you never develop wisdom teeth, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
Why do we have wisdom teeth? Do we actually need them?
You might wonder, "If they only cause trouble, why do we have them at all?" Here is the story.
In the past, our ancestors had a very different diet. They often ate raw vegetables, fruits, hard nuts, and tough meats that were not easily chewed. These final molars, the wisdom teeth, were essential for grinding down those foods for proper digestion.
However, our diets have changed over time. Today, we eat cooked, soft foods and use cutlery to cut our meals. Consequently, the need for that extra set of teeth has diminished. As our diets evolved, our bodies changed as well; for instance, our jawbones have become smaller. This is why many people simply do not have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to emerge correctly.
For this reason, doctors often classify wisdom teeth as a "vestigial organ," meaning they were useful in the past but serve little purpose today. While wisdom teeth can provide support at the back of the mouth if they emerge perfectly straight, we can live perfectly healthy lives without them.
Where are wisdom teeth located and what do they look like?
Wisdom teeth appear at the very back of your mouth, behind your other molars. If you have all four (not everyone does), you will have two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, positioned on both the left and right sides.
Generally, a wisdom tooth looks similar to other molars. Most have two or three roots, though some may have four. The shape of these roots varies from person to person; sometimes they fuse into a single large, cone-shaped root, and other times they may be twisted or spread in different directions.
Around what age do wisdom teeth start to appear?
Most of the time, wisdom teeth begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. This is why this transition is often experienced during young adulthood. Keep in mind, however, that a fully impacted wisdom tooth won't be visible when you open your mouth; identifying these usually requires an X-ray.
What symptoms do wisdom teeth cause when they emerge?
If your wisdom teeth are coming in, you might experience a few of the following symptoms:
- Red or swollen gums: You may notice redness or swelling in the gum area behind your last tooth.
- Jaw pain or stiffness: You might feel pain in the jaw area or experience stiffness when opening or closing your mouth.
- Facial pain: Sometimes, pressure on nerves from emerging wisdom teeth can cause pain in the face.
- Small white spots: You may see a small white tip of the tooth poking through the gum behind your last molar. This is a sign that the tooth is slowly emerging.
If you experience these symptoms, it is best to visit a dentist. They can examine you to determine if a wisdom tooth is actually emerging or if there is another issue at hand.
What complications can arise from wisdom teeth?
As we mentioned, if wisdom teeth do not emerge correctly or become impacted, various complications can arise, including:
- Toothache: This is the most common symptom, which can sometimes be quite intense.
- Infection: Bacteria can accumulate around an impacted tooth, leading to infection, swelling, pus, or even fever.
- Cavities: Because wisdom teeth are at the very back, they are difficult to clean, making them prone to decay. Additionally, an impacted wisdom tooth can increase the risk of decay in the healthy tooth next to it.
- Gum disease: The gums around wisdom teeth can become inflamed, leading to gum disease.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: An impacted wisdom tooth may push against the healthy tooth in front of it, causing damage.
- Cysts: Although rare, fluid-filled sacs called cysts can form around an impacted wisdom tooth, potentially damaging the jawbone.
- Tumors: Very rarely, non-cancerous tumors can grow in this region.
Important: If you experience any of these symptoms, see a dentist promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to more significant issues.
What are the treatment options for these problems?
The primary and most common treatment for wisdom tooth complications is wisdom tooth removal. This procedure is performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to numb the area, though if necessary, it can be performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
Wisdom teeth can be removed at any age. However, to prevent future oral health issues, many people choose to have them removed during their late teens or early twenties. At that age, the jawbone is slightly softer, the teeth are easier to remove, and recovery is faster.
Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth do not contribute significantly to chewing. Therefore, you do not need to replace them after extraction.
If I have wisdom teeth, how should I care for them?
If you have wisdom teeth and they are not causing you any trouble, it is still important to keep them healthy. Your dentist will check them during your routine visits. In addition, you can take these steps:
- Brush twice a day: Because wisdom teeth are at the very back of the mouth, it can be hard to reach them with your toothbrush. Be patient and take your time to thoroughly clean those areas.
- Floss daily: Use dental floss to clean between your teeth. If flossing around the wisdom teeth is difficult, you can use dental picks or specialized small brushes called interproximal brushes.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid the risk of dry mouth.
Does everyone need to have their wisdom teeth removed?
No, not necessarily. If your wisdom teeth are not causing you any pain, complications, or trouble, they do not need to be removed. In fact, there are cases where keeping your wisdom teeth is perfectly fine, provided they have emerged correctly and are aligned with your other teeth.
Your dentist is the best person to decide whether you should keep or remove your wisdom teeth. They will examine your mouth and take X-rays to provide you with the best professional advice.
Another important thing to know: Do wisdom teeth grow back?
No. Once a wisdom tooth is removed, it does not grow back. Therefore, once the extraction is done, you are finished with that particular issue.
In conclusion, things to remember
We have covered quite a lot about wisdom teeth today. Remember that wisdom teeth are considered a vestigial part of our anatomy that is largely unnecessary. Having them removed is a very common procedure for young people worldwide.
However, if your wisdom teeth have emerged properly and are not causing any issues, you may not need to do anything at all. But if you feel even the slightest pain, swelling, or anything unusual, be sure to see a dentist. They will provide you with the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Caring for your oral health is vital. Staying informed about your wisdom teeth is a great step in taking care of yourself.
