Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

By the time they reach adolescence, most people develop a set of baby teeth, lose all of them, and develop a whole new set of permanent teeth. The teeth remain consistent for a while until a third set of molars appear between the ages of 17 to 21.

It is presumed that the appearance of these molars indicates that one is “wiser” now. Hence, the name “wisdom teeth.” However, in reality, there is no connection between the appearance of these teeth and your intelligence.

So why do we get wisdom teeth? Read on to find out.

The Purpose of Wisdom Teeth

Nowadays, almost everyone gets their wisdom teeth removed a while after they erupt. This may make you question what is the purpose of these painfully erupting teeth anyway. The answer dates back to our ancestors.

Our earliest ancestors did not have the luxury of modern technology or even basic tools such as knives and forks. Therefore, they had to survive on a diet of raw meat, roots, leaves, nuts, berries, and some vegetables. These foods were generally tough and coarse, requiring a set of strong molars and broad jaws to aid in chewing.

Since our modern diet is much softer and easier to chew, the need for this third set of molars has ceased to exist. As human beings evolved, our jaws also started shrinking. This made the accommodation of wisdom teeth more painful.

Hence, most people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed. Not only do they not serve any purpose anymore, but the smaller jaws make it painful to accommodate the new teeth in our mouths.

If you’re looking to have your wisdom teeth removed and live in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental.

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Posted on Dec 12, 2021