How much do you know about wisdom teeth? How did they get their name? There is no doubt that many people don’t know much about wisdom teeth. Here are a few facts about them.
Wisdom teeth form the third row of molars in your jaw. They are called wisdom teeth because they show up to individuals between 17 and 25 years. Many people in this age bracket have to deal with problems associated with wisdom teeth.
Why Do We Grow Wisdom Teeth?
We inherited wisdom teeth from our ancestors. Earlier humans had a much tougher diet than what we have today, so they needed a third row of molars to chew and eat roots, leaves, and meat. However, our diets have changed over time, and we no longer need wisdom teeth. Due to evolution, some people don’t have wisdom teeth. Some people also develop wisdom teeth, but they don’t cause problems. However, wisdom teeth cause dental problems to about 85 percent of people, and they have to be removed.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Most of the problems with wisdom teeth arise because we have developed smaller jaws than our ancestors. Therefore, our mouths have no room for the third row of molars. Thus, the development of wisdom teeth causes crowding in the mouth. It is the leading cause of crooked teeth, swollen gums, jaw pain, and other problems of the mouth. Also, wisdom teeth grow at the back of the mouth, making it challenging to clean hence resulting in infections and dental decay.
How to Tell When Your Wisdom Teeth are Causing Problems
Typically, this is discovered during your visit to a wisdom teeth dentist in Chicago. However, you should make an appointment with a dentist if you experience swollen gums, jaw pain, or even unusual taste in the back of your mouth.
Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Only your wisdom teeth dentist Chicago can answer that question. A dentist will perform an X-ray examination to check how wisdom teeth are coming in and if your jaw can accommodate them.
If you have wisdom teeth problems, you should visit a wisdom teeth dentist Chicago sooner than later. Contact East Village Dental Center to book an appointment or visit our website for more information.