Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth (your third molars) are the last teeth to develop, but are the ones least needed for good oral health. Most often, wisdom teeth do not (cannot) erupt normally. But, if they do, it's usually between the ages of 18 and 21.

Most wisdom teeth remain impacted, meaning trapped in the jawbone below the gum. This usually happens because there is not enough room for them in your mouth. Early humans (think cavemen) had big jaws and needed more teeth for their tougher diets. But modern humans have smaller jaws that don't have the space to fit wisdom teeth.

In current times, wisdom teeth usually do more harm than good. They often need to be removed.

From Silent to Serious Problems

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may not even know you have them until pain suddenly strikes because of infection or pressure on an adjacent tooth. You may not know that your developing wisdom teeth are pushing on the roots of adjacent teeth until those teeth start to shift.

If your wisdom teeth do erupt, the odds of decay or infection of surrounding gum tissue is very high compared to that of other teeth. The results of expensive orthodontic work can even be ruined if your wisdom teeth crowd adjacent teeth, causing them to shift position.

Removal May Be Wise

Whether you have obvious symptoms or not, you should rely on your dentist to diagnose the existing or potential problems caused by your wisdom teeth. If removal was recommended then, the health of the rest of your mouth depends on it.

Sixteen Deadly Dental SinsClick here to view the Top Ten Health Reasons To Remove Wisdom Teeth

TOP TEN HEALTH REASONS TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH
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10) Because there is limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt and because the surrounding
gums are difficult to keep clean, infection and inflammation are common even when there
are no apparent symptoms. Research shows that once inflammation takes hold, it is
almost impossible to eliminate and may spread to other teeth.

9) Research suggests that oral inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may contribute to
preterm or low birth weight infants.

8) Even when wisdom teeth erupt through the gum tissues, they rarely provide any
meaningful function and are always difficult to keep clean.

7) In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth develop associated cysts and/or tumors. Removal
of such lesions may require extensive procedures to repair and restore jaw function and
appearance.

6) With age, the chance for complications related to the removal of wisdom teeth increases.

5) Gum disease and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may lead to receding gum
tissues, deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss.

4) Wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of nearby teeth.

3) Even wisdom teeth that seem to be problem-free (asymptomatic) remain a breeding
ground for oral infection and inflammation. Research shows that such inflammation may
enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development and/or progression of a variety
of diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

2) Once it has been determined that wisdom teeth will not successfully erupt into your
mouth, it is best to remove them sooner rather than later. Early removal is associated with
faster and easier recovery.

1) And, The Number One Reason For Removing Your Wisdom Teeth -- Peace of Mind.

Source: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

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