The removal of wisdom teeth is often considered a rite of passage of sorts for young adults. However, not everyone undergoes this surgery. Some individuals choose to keep their third molars because they are not currently posing a threat to their oral health. Other people never develop wisdom teeth! Why is that the case, and how can you tell if you have wisdom teeth? Read on to learn about this important topic from your dentist in Jupiter.
Why Do Some People Never Get Their Theirs?
It’s difficult to say how many people do not have wisdom teeth. Data on the subject is somewhat broad, with one estimate from the Dental Research Journal stating that 5-37 percent of people are missing one or more of their third molars.
There are a few possible reasons why some people never develop theirs. The most common may be genetics. A widely accepted theory states that humanity’s ancient ancestors needed a third set of molars to help them consume their rough diet.
Now, humans tend to eat foods that are easier to consume. Therefore, the human genome may be adapting to the fact that the third molars are no longer necessary. Other factors that might contribute to a lack of wisdom teeth include diet, environment, and chewing function.
Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?
Often, people with these teeth can feel them at the back of their mouth. If you run your tongue along your teeth and don’t feel your third molars, however, that doesn’t mean you don’t have them. Often, they get stuck beneath the gumline (impacted).
To find out if you have wisdom teeth, you should visit your dentist. A routine X-ray can easily reveal whether you have these teeth, as well as how many of them you have. Most people have four, but some have just one. Others can develop five or more.
If you are a teenager or young adult and do not yet have your wisdom teeth, regular dental visits are particularly important. If and when your third molars develop, your dentist will be able to monitor them and recommend appropriate treatment if it appears that they are posing a significant threat to your oral health.
The Importance of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Some people can keep their wisdom teeth for a lifetime and not suffer any adverse consequences because of it. Most people, though, should get them removed. Failure to do so can increase your risk of several problems including dental decay, a misaligned bite, TMJ disorder, cysts, and infections.
Not everyone has wisdom teeth. For those who do, however, monitoring these third molars is vital. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for your oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Paul Weinstein earned his dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry. He went on to become board-certified in oral maxillofacial surgery as well as a Diplomate with the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. A member of the American Dental Association, he has authored several papers which have been published in various national journals. If you need wisdom teeth extracted, Dr. Weinstein and our other oral surgeons are on call 24/7, happy to serve adults and teens alike, and dental insurance is maximized. Schedule an exam on their website or call (561) 743-8311.