What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that typically appear in your late teens or early twenties. They’re called “wisdom” teeth because they appear when you’re wiser than when your other teeth came in.
Why Do Some People Not Have Wisdom Teeth?
You might’ve heard that wisdom teeth can cause major problems for people, so it’d be nice not to have them. Here are a few reasons why some people don’t have wisdom teeth:
Evolution
Modern humans have smaller jaws than our ancestors, so there may not be enough space for our third set of molars.
Beneficial Trait
Having fewer teeth can passed down to future generations as a beneficial trait.
Genetic Abnormalities
Some people may be born with a condition that prevents them from having wisdom teeth.
What To Do When You Don’t Have Wisdom Teeth
- Visit the dentist – It’s important to visit the dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy. Even if you don’t have wisdom teeth, your dentist will monitor the health of your other teeth.
- Follow a good oral hygiene regimen – Make sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and use mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- See a dentist for any concerning symptoms – Some people without wisdom teeth can experience complications such as overcrowding and impacted teeth. If you experience any concerning symptoms, be sure to talk to a dentist.
Conclusion
If you don’t have wisdom teeth, you don’t need to worry! It’s just something your body decided wouldn’t be beneficial. To make sure your teeth stay healthy, be sure to follow a good oral hygiene regimen and see a dentist regularly.
5. Are there any treatments available to people lacking wisdom teeth?
Yes, there are treatments available for people who do not have their wisdom teeth. Since the wisdom teeth may not have erupted yet, or even if they have, it is possible to receive a surgical procedure to extract them. Depending on the individual, other dental treatments may include braces, bridgework, crowns, dental implants, and fillings.
2. Could the lack of wisdom teeth be the result of poor dental hygiene?
No, the lack of wisdom teeth is typically attributed to evolution and the smaller size of our jaws compared to earlier humans. This has caused the wisdom teeth to be unnecessary and unable to fit in the jaw correctly. Poor dental hygiene may have only exacerbated the issue in certain cases, but is not the primary cause for their absence.
3. What would be the long-term consequences of not having wisdom teeth?
The long-term consequences of not having wisdom teeth depend on the individual and whether their mouth is overcrowded or not. If the individual’s mouth is at a healthy capacity, the absence of wisdom teeth may have few consequences. However, if the individual’s mouth is overcrowded, the long-term consequences may include shifting of other teeth and a misalignment of the bite, leading to an increased risk of gum disease, cavities and tooth decay, and difficulty eating certain foods.