Are Wisdom Teeth Really Useful For Chewing The Food
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience problems with their growth and development. This has led to a debate over the usefulness of wisdom teeth in chewing food. In this article, we will explore the purpose of wisdom teeth and whether they are necessary for proper digestion.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow at the back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood, a time when a person is said to have gained wisdom. Wisdom teeth can cause problems when they grow in incorrectly or do not have enough room to emerge. In such cases, they may become impacted, causing discomfort, pain, and other dental issues.
The Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth were useful for our early human ancestors who had larger jaws and a diet that required more grinding of tough foods like nuts, roots, and raw meat. However, with the evolution of human diets and the development of utensils for cutting and grinding food, the need for wisdom teeth has decreased. In fact, many people today do not have enough room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to fully emerge, leading to issues like impaction and infection.
Do Wisdom Teeth Help with Chewing Food?
While wisdom teeth were helpful in the past for chewing tough foods, they are not essential for proper digestion today. In fact, many people have their wisdom teeth removed without any negative effects on their ability to chew or digest food. Other teeth, including the molars and premolars, are more important in the chewing process and can easily compensate for the absence of wisdom teeth.
When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?
If a person experiences pain, swelling, or infection due to their wisdom teeth, it may be necessary to have them removed. Additionally, if a person's wisdom teeth are causing overcrowding or shifting of other teeth, they may need to be extracted to prevent further dental problems. It is best to consult with a dentist to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is necessary in a particular case.
Conclusion
While wisdom teeth may have been useful in the past for chewing tough foods, they are not necessary for proper digestion today. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed without any negative effects on their ability to chew or digest food. If you are experiencing pain or other dental issues related to your wisdom teeth, it is best to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action.