Wisdom Teeth Knowledge and Fun Facts

WISDOM TEETH KNOWLEDGE AND FUN FACTS

No one ever thinks of wisdom teeth as being an interesting topic to discuss around the dinner table. Even though wisdom teeth information doesn’t seem like an exciting topic it is good for a person to know a few facts about them.

Wisdom teeth are also called 3rd molars because they are the last of the molars to come in the mouth and they come behind two other molars. Wisdom teeth usually start to erupt in the mouth at an early age. Not everyone has room for wisdom teeth and some people don’t even develop them.

If a person isn’t born with wisdom teeth, that doesn’t mean they aren’t as smart as those who do. Wisdom teeth do not give those who have them more wisdom. Wisdom teeth didn’t get their name because they add wisdom, they are actually nicknamed for the time they arrive in a person’s life. They usually make themselves known in a person’s mouth at the period referred to as the “age of wisdom” between the ages of 17 through 25. Also in some cultures, wisdom teeth are referred to as “love teeth” because the teeth grow at the same age when many experience their first love.

To many people, wisdom teeth may seem useless and a nuisance. However, these teeth were very necessary for ancient civilizations. During this time wisdom teeth were needed due to the foods they ate. The extra tooth made it possible for the people to chew and consume raw meat and dense, fibrous roots of plants.

As people developed and their diets changed the extra set of teeth weren’t needed. As time went on the foods humans ate changed, as well as the shape and size of their mouths. This change did not allow for wisdom teeth to come in easily. Over time the human jaw shortened and prevented most wisdom teeth from properly entering the mouth. This may be comforting for some to know they weren’t born with a big mouth.

Most people do end up having their wisdom teeth removed. There are several reasons why these teeth may need to be removed. As mentioned above some mouths are smaller than others and the wisdom teeth become trapped under the other teeth. When this occurs the wisdom teeth become impacted and must be removed or extracted to avoid infection or causing damage to other teeth.

If there isn’t room for the wisdom teeth to come in they must be removed to avoid crowding in other teeth. When wisdom teeth try to erupt into a mouth that doesn’t have room for them, they often cause other teeth to shift. Crowding can cause pain and may even cause the surrounding teeth to move out of alignment, interfering with the bite. Sometimes wisdom teeth have to be removed to make room for other dental procedures like braces.

The surgical removal of wisdom teeth and the recovery afterward can be accomplished easier with a bit of preparation on the part of the patient. On the day of your surgical appointment, arrive rested, well-nourished, and hydrated. Also, avoid things like caffeine, hot drinks, carbonated beverages, and alcohol for the first few days after wisdom teeth have been extracted, and eat soft foods like yogurt, gelatin, ice cream, and applesauce. Avoid eating hard-to-chew foods for at least a week. Above all else, follow the advice of your dentist for the best results.

One thing is for sure, all people are unique and their dental needs must be approached on a person-by-person basis. If you are experiencing pain or other problems with your wisdom teeth, Paris Family Dental. We will evaluate your individual needs. Together, we can determine the correct course for the treatment of your wisdom teeth.