Quck answer
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but can sometimes emerge later or not at all. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. However, some individuals may have fewer or even extra wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause various problems, such as impaction, infection, overcrowding, and tooth decay. Therefore, they often need to be removed through a surgical procedure called wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, unlike most other teeth that come in during childhood. The term “wisdom teeth” originated from the fact that they appear later in life, when an individual has reached young adulthood and gained wisdom.
The reason for the existence of wisdom teeth can be traced back to our ancient ancestors. Anthropologists believe that early civilizations had different diets compared to modern times. Instead of going to the store, our ancestors relied on hunting and gathering food from nature.
Consuming raw foods such as leaves, roots, nuts, and meats took a toll on their teeth. Dental hygiene was poor during those times, leading to tooth loss being a common occurrence.
By the time someone reached their twenties, it was not uncommon to have lost a tooth or two due to decay. With insufficient teeth, ancient people would have struggled to chew the food they found, putting them at risk of starvation.
Anthropologists theorize that early humans developed wisdom teeth as a way to facilitate chewing, even if they were missing other teeth, in order to survive.
Fortunately, our present-day diet, lifestyle, and access to dental care have made survival much easier for modern humans and our teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth are no longer considered necessary for our survival.
Consequently, some evolutionary biologists now classify wisdom teeth as “vestigial organs,” meaning they no longer serve a functional purpose.
In fact, biology supports this idea. Research has revealed that 35 percent of the current population never develop wisdom teeth, suggesting that they may eventually disappear completely over time.
Try It Out
We encourage you to continue seeking wisdom! Don’t forget to engage in the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Ask an adult family member or friend to schedule a dentist appointment for you. If you are due for a check-up, that’s great. If not, inquire about what the dentist usually recommends if your wisdom teeth erupt.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Take some extra time today to thoroughly brush your teeth. Remember to floss as well. Discuss dental rinses with a friend or family member. Do you use a dental rinse regularly? If not, consider buying one from the store to try at home. Clean teeth contribute to overall body health!
- Are you searching for the perfect spot to place your lost teeth for the Tooth Fairy? Create your own tooth pillow to ensure that she doesn’t overlook your next lost tooth! Personalize your pillow and let your creativity shine.
Wonder Sources
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth#1 (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
- http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
- http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=147 (accessed 24 Apr., 2023)
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