Wisdom teeth. Everyone is generally familiar with them. Many of you have probably had surgery to have them removed. But your Georgetown dentist decided to learn a little more about this type of tooth and unveil the truths to you.
Prehistoric Chewing Power
As it turns out, wisdom teeth were pretty helpful to our ancient ancestors. When it was time to eat, their diet consisted of:
- Raw meat
- Foraged foods
- Leaves and foliage
- Roots
Wisdom teeth provided a considerable advantage to help them be able to eat and chew these tough foods properly. Since time has evolved and our food doesn’t necessarily have to be foraged or hunted, these teeth became more obsolete. We don’t need them to break down our foods and survive to live another day. Times have changed!
Anytime They Feel Like it
Did you know that wisdom teeth can actually erupt or break through your gums at any time? According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest person to get the wisdom teeth was 94 years young. Your Georgetown dentist will tell you that, generally, wisdom teeth show up to the party around the ages of 17 to 25.
They Like to Cause Trouble
If you’ve ever had your wisdom teeth extracted, you will know how painful and irritating they can be. Sometimes wisdom teeth are unable to completely break through or only partially break through the gum line. When wisdom teeth are impacted or don’t push through all the way, you could be subjecting your smile and yourself to unwanted infections. Having your wisdom teeth taken out means you’re free to never have to worry about these issues!
So, now you know a little bit more about wisdom teeth courtesy of your dentist in Georgetown. If you or your child struggles with wisdom teeth, discomfort, or pain, please schedule a consultation and talk to us. We have safe, sensible options to help you feel better.