Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth and What Purpose Do They Serve?

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If you've ever had wisdom tooth pain, you know it can be extremely unpleasant. You'd only get a break after having them removed through oral surgery for wisdom teeth in Pembroke Pines, which begs the question: why do we have wisdom teeth in the first place?

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Wisdom Teeth: What Are Their Functions?

A Brief History of Wisdom Teeth

You're not alone if you've ever questioned why wisdom teeth or the third set of molars form only to be extracted. Wisdom teeth, according to anthropologists, were necessary for our ancestors.  This is due to their diet, which consisted of gritty, difficult-to-digest foods like raw meats, roots, nuts, and even clay that required a lot of jaw muscle to chew. Our ancestors also didn't have as many soft food alternatives as we do now, and they didn't use eating utensils. According to numerous studies, the human brain has grown since our ancient family trees, causing the jaw to go much narrow. Another factor is the availability of properly cooked, carefully chopped, and perfectly diced soft foods.

Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

The removal of wisdom teeth isn't always necessary. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, developed in the proper position, do not cause any damage to the neighboring teeth, and can be cleaned when you brush and floss, then congrats, in that case, you can keep them.  However, this isn't always the case. The wisdom teeth of many people had to be extracted when they are impacted due to a lack of room in the jawline.  Despite the name, wisdom teeth do not provide wisdom. They cause plenty of dental issues that have a negative impact on your dental health instead.

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Learn More About Wisdom Teeth in Pembroke Pines

We understand how frightening it is to have a wisdom tooth removed, but we want to reassure patients that they have nothing to worry about. In fact, keeping wisdom teeth in the mouth can be more dangerous than having them extracted. If you have any additional queries, feel free to give us a call at Oral Facial Reconstruction. We are always happy to help.