Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last molars grown in humans and usually appear at the end of the upper and lower jaws. They generally erupt between the ages of 16 and 25 and are therefore also called "adult teeth". Many people are confused about why humans develop wisdom teeth.
01
Why do I have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually erupt in people during late adolescence or early twenties. Regarding the origin of wisdom teeth, there are many scientists and researchers who have offered different explanations.
Some people believe that wisdom teeth are a remnant of ancient human eating habits, and modern people's eating habits have changed, resulting in our mandible no longer having enough space to accommodate this extra tooth.
From an evolutionary point of view, our ancestors were dominated by coarse foods such as nuts, fruits, and raw meat. These foods require more chewing power, therefore, the third molars are useful for them.
However, as human eating habits have changed, we have started to eat more delicately, and cooking has made food easier to chew and digest.
In addition, the mandibles of modern humans are gradually getting smaller and there is not enough space for wisdom teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth can grow out of alignment in many cases, squeezing other teeth, causing a range of oral problems.
In modern medicine, it is generally believed that the development of wisdom teeth is influenced by genetic factors. Some families are more likely to develop wisdom teeth, while others are less likely to have wisdom teeth growth. In addition, wisdom teeth growth can also be affected by nutrition, hormones, and other physiological factors.
When wisdom teeth are grown, people may experience some uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, pain, throat discomfort, etc. In some cases, wisdom teeth can even trigger serious complications such as infection, suppuration, etc.
02
Do wisdom teeth need to be removed, and when do they need to be removed?
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, usually begin to erupt in early adulthood, roughly between the ages of 17 and 25. However, due to the evolution of human eating habits and the gradual shrinkage of the jaw, wisdom teeth often lack enough space to grow properly, which causes a number of problems. So, should we choose to have wisdom teeth removed, and under what circumstances is it necessary?
1. Impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are when wisdom teeth do not grow out completely normally due to space constraints. This condition often leads to inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the wisdom teeth, resulting in pericoronitis of wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth pericoronitis can cause symptoms such as severe pain, limited openings, and fever. In severe cases, wisdom teeth pericoronitis can even lead to infection of the maxillofacial space, which can lead to sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
Therefore, for impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth, it is recommended to remove them in time to prevent a series of serious complications.
2. Wisdom teeth cause crowding of teeth
Wisdom teeth have limited space to grow, which can lead to crowding of other teeth when they erupt. This can push the position of other teeth, which in turn can lead to misalignment of the teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction can reduce the crowding of the teeth and facilitate orthodontics. Therefore, during the orthodontic process, the doctor may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth.
3. Wisdom teeth cause periodontal disease
Due to the special location of wisdom teeth, they are often difficult to clean in place, which can easily cause inflammation of the surrounding gums, resulting in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation that, if left untreated, can lead to loose teeth or even loss. Therefore, for wisdom teeth that have already developed periodontal disease, extraction is a necessary treatment to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
4. Wisdom teeth cause pain
Wisdom teeth may cause pain due to the squeezing of the surrounding tissues as they grow. This pain can sometimes seriously affect the patient's daily life. In this case, wisdom tooth removal can be effective in relieving the pain.
5. Wisdom teeth cause other complications
In a few extreme cases, wisdom teeth growth can lead to other complications such as osteomyelitis of the jaw, neuralgia of the teeth, etc. These complications are not only painful, but also difficult to treat. Therefore, for wisdom teeth that may cause complications, early removal is recommended.
03
It turns out that there is also an optimal age for wisdom tooth extraction?
In general, the best age for wisdom tooth extraction is between 17 and 25 years old. In this age group, the jaw bone is relatively fully developed, and the growth position and shape of wisdom teeth are relatively clear. Wisdom teeth extraction at this stage can avoid problems such as crowding and impacted teeth, while also reducing the risk of surgery and recovery time.
- Why should wisdom teeth be extracted at the optimal age?
First of all, wisdom teeth are relatively soft when they are young, and the surrounding bone is weaker, which makes tooth extraction surgery easier. In addition, the healing ability is stronger when you are younger, and the recovery after tooth extraction will be relatively quick.
As we age, the bone around wisdom teeth becomes harder and the procedure becomes more difficult. In addition, as people age, there may be some problems with their health conditions, which may increase the risk of tooth extraction.
However, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some people have wisdom teeth that grow normally and do not cause any problems, and they can choose to keep them. However, wisdom teeth should be removed promptly if they cause pain, infection, or other complications, even if they are older.
04
The doctor said frankly: these 6 types of people are not suitable for wisdom tooth extraction
1. People with bleeding tendency
This group of people mainly includes patients with blood diseases such as hemophilia and thrombocytopenia. Because wisdom tooth extraction surgery can cause bleeding, it can be a serious and life-threatening risk for people with a tendency to bleed. Therefore, such people should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and undergo other treatments as recommended by their doctor.
2. People with heart disease
Heart disease patients have relatively weak heart function, and factors such as pain, bleeding, and infection during wisdom tooth extraction surgery can adversely affect the heart and even lead to heart failure.
In addition, some antibiotics may be needed during wisdom tooth extraction surgery, and these drugs can have adverse effects on people with heart disease. Therefore, patients with heart disease should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and treat it with the advice of a doctor.
3. People with high blood pressure
People with high blood pressure may face certain risks during wisdom tooth extraction surgery. Patients with hypertension have poor vascular elasticity, and factors such as pain and tension during surgery may increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.
At the same time, after wisdom teeth extraction, patients need to rest and recover, while hypertensive patients need to pay close attention to blood pressure changes during this time to avoid excessive fluctuations in blood pressure. Therefore, patients with high blood pressure should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and treat it with the advice of a doctor.
IV. Diabetics
Blood sugar control in people with diabetes is relatively complex, and wisdom tooth extraction surgery can have an impact on blood glucose. Factors such as pain, bleeding, and infection during surgery can raise blood sugar and affect the patient's blood sugar control.
In addition, diabetic patients have low immunity and are prone to infections after surgery. Therefore, diabetic patients should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and treat it with the advice of their doctor.
5. Pregnant women
Pregnant women should avoid wisdom tooth extraction during pregnancy. First of all, the pain and tension during wisdom tooth extraction surgery can adversely affect the fetus.
Secondly, pregnant women have low immunity and are prone to infection after surgery, which poses a risk to the health of mothers and babies. Finally, wisdom tooth extraction can cause changes in hormone levels in the pregnant woman's body, affecting fetal development. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and undergo treatment with the advice of a doctor.
6. Minors
Minors are in the stage of growth and development, and wisdom tooth extraction may adversely affect the development of the jaw. In general, wisdom teeth do not erupt until adulthood, when the jaw has already been formed, and wisdom tooth extraction has less of an impact on the jaw.
Wisdom teeth extraction at the juvenile stage may lead to jaw dysplasia, affecting chewing and facial morphology. Therefore, minors should avoid wisdom tooth extraction and have their treatment under the advice of a doctor.
In conclusion, wisdom tooth extraction should be avoided in the above six groups. However, that doesn't mean they can't solve their wisdom tooth problems. With the advice of their doctors, they can opt for other treatments such as medication, anti-inflammatory, etc., to relieve the discomfort caused by wisdom teeth.
At the same time, these people should pay attention to oral hygiene in their daily life, keep their mouths clean, and avoid aggravation of wisdom tooth problems. If necessary, they can perform wisdom tooth extraction surgery under the guidance of a doctor, but they need to be fully prepared and risk assessed.
Source: Baidu Guan Doctor said healthy
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