
Stemming from childhood to adolescence, teeth develop in phases: first incisors, canines, premolars and molars and, last but not least, wisdom teeth. The latter is often the most puzzling to people; what actually is a wisdom tooth? Dentists refer to them as third molars, and they appear at the back of the mouth. Some people don't experience a single problem with their wisdom teeth, but for others, they can cause extreme discomfort and infection.
Due to the fact that wisdom teeth can create so many issues and are not required for eating, dentists frequently speculate their function. Wisdom teeth start developing in the jaw around the age of seven, not just before or at birth like other teeth.
Throughout the majority of human history, the typical diet has always been relatively abrasive to teeth. Under this situation, wisdom teeth have been constructive in the past for replacing molars that have become worn out. Now that diets are more ‘teeth-friendly’, teeth don't become worn out so quickly, and there are no necessary gaps for wisdom teeth to grow into, there is also some evidence that states that modern jaws are smaller than those of prehistoric humans.
Issues regarding wisdom teeth primarily involve extreme pain and discomfort, infections, gum disease, and in some cases, tooth decay. Some of these are due to the difficulty brushing effectively towards the back of the mouth and the other various other serious effects of impacted wisdom teeth that occur when cysts develop below the teeth. These cysts can be because of a loss of bone in the jaw, and add pressure on the jaw's nerves.
These problems relating to wisdom teeth usually cease with their removal. Dentists frequently prefer to remove wisdom teeth when patients are in their late teens or early 20s, before they cause any further issues.
So, what exactly is a wisdom tooth? Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with growing wiser - only getting older. If you have a wisdom tooth that causes you pain or discomfort, contact your dentist. Early treatment can significantly reduce your risk of further problems at a later date.
Here at Manor Road based in Swansea, we provide a wide range of oral health, dental, and aesthetic services. As one of the leading Swansea dental practices, our team of experienced professionals have a special interest in both general and cosmetic dentistry, and also provide dental solutions for sports injuries. Get in touch to find out more about the services we offer here.