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You are probably here, reading this blog, looking for answers about a gnawing pain in your mouth and how your face is swelling up out of nowhere!
Don’t worry it’s just your wisdom tooth and you are now entering a new phase in your life!
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually come in during the late teenage years. They are so-called because they appear much later than other teeth when we have developed more wisdom to care for them!
When wisdom teeth arrive they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort as they try to break through the surface of your gums.
If they become impacted, this means that there is not enough room in your mouth for them to emerge properly and this can cause problems with your other teeth as well.
In some cases, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if they become infected or cause overcrowding in your mouth. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether you need to have them removed and discuss the best course of action with you.
Depending on how complex the extraction process is, it may require a general anaesthetic or just a local anaesthetic at most.
It’s important to look after your wisdom teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, as any bad oral hygiene practices could lead to gum disease which can then make extraction even more difficult.
It's also essential that you attend regular check-ups with your dentist so that any issues with your wisdom teeth can be identified early on before they become more serious problems down the line.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Come In?
You generally develop your Wisdom teeth between the age of 17 and 25. While most people have four wisdom teeth, some have three or five.
Wisdom teeth are often called third molars because they typically grow after your first and second molars have already appeared.
It’s important to be aware that not everyone will get their wisdom teeth at the same time. One person can get two of their wisdom teeth while another person gets none at all.
Some people may even experience a delay or an early eruption of these third molars.
If you think you may be getting your wisdom teeth, it is important to visit your dentist so they can monitor their development and let you know when they may arrive.
How many wisdom teeth do humans have in their lifetime?
Humans typically have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of their mouth. Although most people tend to have four wisdom teeth, some individuals may have more or less than this number due to genetics.
The best way to determine if you need your wisdom teeth extracted is through regular visits with your dentist who will take x-rays and monitor any changes in their development over time.
In some cases, an individual may be able to keep all four wisdom teeth without any problems while others may require extraction before they reach full maturity depending on their movement patterns within the jawline.
Regardless of whether you keep them all or remove some, it's important to take care of your oral health so that you can enjoy healthy smiles for many years!
What is the purpose of wisdom teeth?
In ancient times, humans had much more robust jaws that allowed for extra space for wisdom teeth to fit properly.
As our diets changed over time (think: softer foods) our jaws started to get smaller and the space for wisdom teeth became scarce.
While some individuals still have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to erupt normally without any issues or pain, most don't!
This is why it's important to get regular check-ups and x-rays done by your dentist so they can determine if you need your wisdom teeth extracted or not.
Having your wisdom teeth removed may seem unnecessary but there are several benefits associated with it - including reducing crowding of other existing adult teeth, preventing infection due to overcrowding of bacteria around impacted tooth roots, and preventing cysts or tumours from developing at the site of the impacted tooth root.
Ultimately, having your wisdom teeth removed helps preserve a healthy oral environment which will reduce any chances for future dental problems down the road.
What are the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth?
Keeping your wisdom teeth is a great way to maintain good oral health and keep your smile looking its best.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to appear in the mouth and they help to make room for other teeth that may be crowded in the jaw.
When they’re properly aligned and healthy, wisdom teeth can improve chewing efficiency as well as reduce the risk of periodontal disease or decay due to overcrowding in the mouth.
They also provide structural support for facial muscles which helps give you a more youthful appearance.
Another benefit of keeping your wisdom teeth is that it allows you to keep a more natural tooth structure intact over time.
When wisdom teeth are removed, some of the adjacent tooth structure needs to be removed with it which can weaken the remaining teeth and increase your risk for dental problems down the road.
Keeping them helps preserve overall dental health by minimizing future risks associated with weakened tooth structure or missing molars.
Lastly, preserving your wisdom teeth is beneficial because it allows you to avoid costly restorative treatments such as dental implants or bridges later on down the line if they become damaged or need repair due to decay or trauma.
By keeping these molars healthy now, you save yourself from having to pay for potentially expensive treatments later on when money might not be so readily available.
Conclusion
It is often debated whether or not wisdom teeth are beneficial or detrimental to one's oral health.
On one hand, some argue that there is no need for wisdom teeth since modern humans do not require them for proper chewing and digestion of food.
Furthermore, they may be difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth and can be at risk of tooth decay if not properly maintained. As a result, many dentists recommend removal of the wisdom teeth before any potential problems arise.
On the other hand, advocates argue that leaving wisdom teeth intact has its benefits too - namely that it helps preserve facial structure by providing additional support to adjacent teeth.
Additionally, it can also help prevent overcrowding in cases where there is insufficient room in the mouth for all necessary adult teeth.
Ultimately, it comes down to an individual's unique situation; if your dentist believes that your particular case warrants extraction then it would likely be wise to listen to their advice given their expertise on this matter.
