Why do people have wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the eighth teeth located at the back of the jaw, also known as third molars. They look similar to first and second molars, but can sometimes be slightly smaller, according to The Conversation (Australia).

Wisdom teeth usually do not need to be extracted if they are healthy and growing in the right position.

The reason they are called wisdom teeth is because they are the last permanent teeth to grow out of 32 permanent teeth, which grow to replace baby teeth. Wisdom teeth grow between the ages of 17 and 35. At this time, we are more mature and wiser, so they are called wisdom teeth.

Not everyone grows all four wisdom teeth in the four back positions of the jaw, and some people don't grow them at all. Dental research has found the answer to why people have wisdom teeth.

Like many other animals, we humans share features with the larger primate family. Monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees all have wisdom teeth. Several million years ago, our human ancestors had larger jaws and teeth than modern humans. For example, fossils of the Australopithecus afarensis species from 3-4 million years ago show larger, thicker jaws and teeth than we have today.

In addition, this species also has three large molars with thick enamel. The structure of the skull also shows that the jaw muscles are very strong. Scientists believe that the reason why the jaws and teeth of our ancestors are stronger is because the food they eat, such as meat and plants, is harder and tougher than the food of modern humans.

Modern humans have learned to grow, cook, and preserve food, so our food is softer. Because we only have to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods, our jaws and teeth have less work to do. As a result, we have evolved smaller jaws, and our third molars, or wisdom teeth, are no longer needed.

Studies have shown that about 25% of modern humans have completely lost at least one of their four wisdom teeth. In other words, these teeth are not absent, but they never formed in the jaw.

Impacted wisdom teeth are more common in the lower jaw than the upper jaw. They can cause pain and gum inflammation. should be removed. However, if wisdom teeth grow healthy and in the right position, they may not need to be removed, according to The Conversation.

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