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curious children A series designed for kids of all ages. If you have a question you'd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.
Why do people have wisdom teeth? – Jack J., 17, Dedham, Massachusetts
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of the mouth. They are very similar to the first and second molars, but they may sometimes be smaller.
They are commonly called wisdom teeth because they are the last of the 32 permanent teeth to emerge, and they emerge. Between 17 and 25 years oldWhen you get older and wiser.
You probably know that. Not all people grow All four wisdom teeth. You probably also know that many people have them pulled. So it makes sense to wonder – why do humans have these teeth?
we Studying Teeth can tell you that the answer has a lot to do with the distant past – and a little bit of the present, too.
stronger jaws
Just as you have many traits in common with the people you are related to, humans share common traits with their extended family – the primates. Monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees They all have wisdom teeth.
A few million years ago, early human ancestors had jaws and teeth larger than those humans have today. For example, there was a species called Australopithecus afarensis, I was called Lucy's type. after A famous fossil specimen called Lucy.It lived about 3 to 4 million years ago.
Jaw and teeth Australopithecus afarensis The individual was very little. bigger and thicker From yourself. They had three. Large molars with thick enamelFossil skulls of some of these early humans also show evidence of strong chewing muscles.
Dietary changes
Scientists believe that stronger jaws and teeth were needed because the foods early human ancestors ate, such as raw meat and PlantsChewing food was much harder than chewing food today. Researchers are looking at things like: Microscopic signs and patterns of wear On fossilized teeth To know What might extinct ancestors have eaten?.
Food today is softer than it was in the past due to many factors, including: agriculture, to cook and food storageSofter, easier-to-chew food means that teeth have less of a job to do. As a result, modern human jaws have evolved to be Smaller and flatter faces We are now smarter than our extinct ancestors, because our meals do not require the same large, sharp teeth that their meals did.
Because of these changes, which have occurred very slowly over millions of years, the third molars – wisdom teeth – may no longer be as important as they once were.
missing wisdom teeth
on At least 25% of people today are missing. A single wisdom tooth is completely erupted, meaning it has not formed at all. While people sometimes do not grow other teeth, it is possible that they will have other teeth. Much more common for wisdom teeth..
Scientists aren't sure why this happens, but It might have something to do with genes. inherit from your parentsSome scholars have claimed that Not having wisdom teeth is an advantage. For modern humans with smaller jaws, it is certainly easier to fit fewer teeth into a smaller jaw.
Sometimes, due to lack of space, wisdom teeth can get stuck within the jawbone and never fully emerge — or only partially emerge.
What is called an impacted wisdom tooth? Most often in the lower jaw. In cases where wisdom teeth are only partially erupted, people may sometimes experience pain, tooth decay or gum inflammation, which is why they have them extracted by a dentist.
However, there is usually no need to remove wisdom teeth if they have fully emerged into the mouth, in the correct and proper position.
Dentists can examine your mouth to see if wisdom teeth are present, or look at X-rays of your jaw if these last molars haven't yet emerged and they suspect they might be impacted.
Dentists can also advise you if there is any treatment – or removal – of your wisdom teeth. At the same time, brushing At least twice a day Teeth cleaning Daily brushing will help keep all of your teeth healthy.
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This article was republished from Conversationan independent, nonprofit news organization that brings you reliable facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. This article was written by: Ariadne Lytra, University of Pittsburgh and Seth M. Weinberg, University of Pittsburgh
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Ariadne Litra receives funding from the National Institute of Dental and Maxillofacial Research.
Seth M. Weinberg receives funding from the National Institutes of Health.
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