Wisdom teeth were the evolutionary answer to the need for chewing power to combat excessive wear. The last set of molars or wisdom teeth, were provisions for our ancestors to help them chew coarse, rough food such as hard items like nuts, roots, meats, and leaves. When a typical diet consisted of chewy plants and uncooked meat, third molars (wisdom teeth), which fit easily into our ancestors’ larger jaws, were absolutely necessary.
Today, our diets are not as rough as those of our ancestors. With modern marvels like forks, spoons, and knives, as well as softer food, the need for wisdom teeth is virtually non-existent. And yet, on average, about 65% of the human population is born with wisdom teeth which usually erupt between the ages 17 and 25.
Although wisdom teeth were incredibly advantageous for our ancestors, they pose a bit of a problem for the modern mouth. Humans have evolved to have smaller jaws, and so wisdom teeth are often either too big for the jaw or the jaws themselves are just too small. Either way, third molars crowd the mouth. Because of this lack of space, molars often grow sideways, only partially emerging from the gums, or actually get trapped inside the gums and jawbone.
In Smileway Dental Clinic Malaysia, we take care of your smile because we believe in “Creating Smiles That Matters” in your life. Take care everyone. To know more about wisdom teeth, do not hesitate to contact us and get an appointment for a consultation.
