Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?


Posted on 8/22/2022 by Thomas Wold, DMD
Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?If you are reading this, you are probably the few people who have the curiosity to learn more about wisdom teeth. Most people know things exist or their name but don't mind how they came to be how they are now.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?


Wisdom teeth are the third molars that erupt during adolescence until early adulthood, probably between the age of 17 to 24 years. Contrary to their name, many people wonder why they are referred to as wisdom teeth, yet they bring forth problems during their eruption, which often calls for their complete extraction.

Wisdom teeth have been associated with teeth crowding, infection, impaction, and pain when erupting for long such that their extraction has been the order of the day.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?


Wisdom teeth were ancient and crucial as humans ate harder foods than today. Their existence gave humans the capabilities to cope with the raw meat and tough roots to survive hunger; hence there was always the need to keep them. In the modern-day, where technological advancements have simplified everything such that food is easier to eat and digest, we don't need wisdom teeth, especially when they cause problematic conditions in the mouth. Therefore, if you are suffering from pain and discomfort from wisdom teeth eruption, don't I have good news for you? They are better when gone.

Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?


Ironically to most people, there is barely anything wiser to the pain and discomfort feeling third molars bring once they erupt. However, wisdom teeth earned their name as they erupt at the ages when one is considered old enough to make wise decisions.

Wisdom teeth cause pain when they partially erupt or lack enough space to occupy fully. Therefore, during their eruption, overcrowding at the back of the mouth is experienced, leading to pain and discomfort as side effects. If you experience the third molar-related pain and discomfort, contact us today for a schedule of a painless extraction procedure.
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