Are Wisdom Teeth On The Top And Bottom
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people wonder whether wisdom teeth come in on both the top and bottom of the mouth. The short answer is yes, wisdom teeth can emerge on both the top and bottom of the mouth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that grow at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth are often the last teeth to emerge, and they can cause problems when they don't have enough room to come in properly.
Some people never develop wisdom teeth, while others may have more than four. In rare cases, people may even have wisdom teeth in their upper jaw but not in their lower jaw, or vice versa.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were necessary for our early human ancestors, who had larger jaws and ate tougher foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. As our diets evolved to include softer, cooked foods, our jaws became smaller and our wisdom teeth became less necessary. Today, many people have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent problems like crowding, infections, and gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Coming In?
When wisdom teeth start to emerge, they can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Headaches or earaches
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to see your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and have enough room to come in properly, you may be able to keep them. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they're stuck beneath the gums), infected, or causing other dental problems, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist or oral surgeon will perform a surgical procedure to extract them. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your needs and preferences.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums to access your wisdom teeth, and then carefully remove them. After the procedure, you'll need to rest and follow your dentist's instructions for recovery.
How Can You Prevent Problems with Wisdom Teeth?
There are several things you can do to prevent problems with your wisdom teeth, including:
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily
- Watch for symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in and see your dentist if you experience any problems
- Consider having your wisdom teeth removed if they're causing problems or if your dentist recommends it
The Bottom Line
Wisdom teeth can emerge on both the top and bottom of the mouth, and they can cause a range of dental problems. If you're experiencing symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in, or if you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, it's important to see your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation. With proper care and monitoring, you can keep your wisdom teeth healthy and avoid potential problems down the road.