Are you between the ages of 17 and 25 and feeling a strange pain in the back of your mouth, a bit like a heavy jaw? Maybe your last teeth, or what we're talking about, are starting to come in. Many people can find this time a bit disturbing. For some, these teeth come in without any problems. But for some, it can be a bit of a painful experience. So let's take a look at what these wisdom teeth are, why they cause problems for some people when they come in, and what can be done about them.
What are these wisdom teeth?
Simply put, wisdom teeth are the last four teeth in your permanent set of teeth. They are also called the third molars. They are located at the very back of your mouth.
There's a reason why these are called 'Wisdom Teeth'. While our other permanent teeth usually come in during childhood, these teeth come in when we're a little older, between the ages of 17 and 25. They're called this because by that time we're a little 'wiser'.
Sometimes these wisdom teeth grow in line with the other teeth without any problems. If that happens, you have nothing to worry about. But what happens to many people is that there is not enough room in the mouth for these teeth to come out properly. Then these teeth can become `impacted` inside the gums. That's when many problems start. Things like toothache, swollen gums, and infections can occur. That's why doctors often advise removing these teeth.
Why do we have these teeth? Do we really need them now?
Think about our earliest ancestors. They ate raw meat from hunting, hard-to-chew nuts, and rough, hard-to-chew foods like potatoes. So to chew these things properly, they needed strong, large jaws and more teeth. At that time, these third molars, called the akka teeth, were very useful to them.
But times have changed. We eat well-cooked, soft food. We use utensils like spoons, forks, and knives. So over time, as we evolved, our teeth got a little smaller. Because we don't need such a big jaw anymore. But the number of teeth didn't decrease. That's why there's often not enough room in the mouth for these last teeth to come out.
In medicine, we call these types of organs that were once useful but are no longer of much use, "vestigials." Akka's teeth are one of those things.
That is, if your molars are properly aligned, they can provide some strength to the back of your jaw. But generally speaking, these teeth are not essential for us to survive.
What problems can occur if baby teeth don't come in properly?
If the molar tooth is not completely impacted, or if it is impacted, various problems can occur. This is like a traffic jam. When another vehicle tries to come through a tight spot, other vehicles also get stuck, causing problems.
Let's understand these main issues a little more clearly from the table below.
| Problem | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Tooth decay (Cavities) | Because your molars are located far back in your mouth, it's hard for your toothbrush to reach them properly. This makes it more likely that food particles will get stuck, bacteria will grow, and tooth decay will occur. |
| Gum Disease & Infection | When a tooth is partially erupted, a small space forms between the gum and the tooth. Food can get trapped in this space, causing bacteria to accumulate, causing the gum to swell, become painful, and even develop pus. This is a painful infection. |
| Damage to Neighboring Teeth | A impacted wisdom tooth can push on the root of the healthy tooth in front of it. This can cause the root of the other tooth to loosen, cause that tooth to decay, or even cause the tooth to fall out. |
| Cysts | Very rarely, a fluid-filled cyst can develop around a tooth that is stuck in the jaw. If this becomes large, it can damage the jaw bone, nerves, and other teeth. |
Symptoms that may occur due to these problems
If you have a problem with your wisdom teeth, you may experience symptoms like these:
- Jaw pain: A sharp pain or feeling of heaviness in the back of the mouth.
- Swelling of the gums: The gums where the wisdom tooth comes in are red, swollen, and painful to touch.
- Difficulty opening the mouth: The jaw joint becomes swollen, making it impossible to open the mouth properly.
- Bad breath: An infection can cause a bad taste or odor.
- Facial pain: Sometimes this pain can spread to the ear, neck, and head.
If you have these symptoms, definitely see your doctor or dentist.
Sister, do you really need to have your teeth extracted?
This is a question that many people ask. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted.
Your sister's teeth:
- If you are completely, healthily sober
- If they are in line with the other teeth, and positioned correctly
- If it is easy to clean
- If it doesn't cause any pain or problems
...then there's no need to take them off.
However, if you have any of the above problems, such as pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, a dentist will likely recommend removing them. It is easier to remove these teeth, especially when you are young, in your early 20s. This is because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed at that time and the jawbone is not as thick, so the healing process is faster.
This surgery is usually performed by a dental surgeon. Depending on your condition, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the tooth is located, or you may be given sedation to put you to sleep. In some complex cases, this surgery may be performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
Remember, once your wisdom teeth are removed, they won't grow back. Also, since these teeth don't contribute much to the chewing process, they don't need to be replaced.
How do I take care of my sister's teeth?
If your sister has decided to keep her teeth, it is very important to take good care of them.
- Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to check your teeth. This will help you identify problems before they become a problem.
- Cleaning thoroughly: Since these teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be a little difficult to clean with regular brushing. So take your time and brush until you've thoroughly cleaned the back of your mouth . A toothbrush with a small head can help with this.
- Use Dental Floss: Use dental floss daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth.
Finally, wisdom teeth are a common condition that many people face during their youth. While some people have these teeth without any problems, others can experience pain and problems. If you have any questions or concerns about this, the best thing to do is to see your doctor or dentist for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Wisdom Teeth are the last four permanent teeth to erupt. They usually erupt between the ages of 17-25.
- Although useful to our ancestors, these teeth are no longer essential to modern humans. They are now considered a ``vestigial'' organ.
- Due to lack of space in the mouth, these teeth can become impacted, which can cause pain, infection, tooth decay, and damage to other teeth.
- Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted. If they are healthy and healthy, they can be kept.
- If you have pain or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, be sure to consult a dentist.
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