The Mystery of Wisdom Teeth: Does Everyone Get Them?

Wisdom teeth are something that many people experience during their lifetime. These teeth are often associated with pain and discomfort, and while some people seem to breeze through their wisdom teeth phase, others encounter issues that require medical attention. But does everyone get wisdom teeth and what exactly are they?

To provide a background, wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear in the late teens or the early twenties. These teeth grow at the back of the mouth, and there are four of them – two on the top and two on the bottom jaw.

The interesting thing about wisdom teeth is that not everyone gets them. Studies have shown that around 35% of the population does not develop wisdom teeth. Furthermore, some people may only develop one or two wisdom teeth, while others may develop all four.

So why do some people have them and some people don’t? The answer lies in evolution. Our ancient ancestors needed these extra molars to help them efficiently grind tough and fibrous plants to extract the necessary nutrients. As we evolved and our diets changed, these teeth became redundant, and we no longer needed them for survival.

It is essential to note that even if you do develop wisdom teeth, they may not be functional. Due to the jaw’s smaller size in modern humans, wisdom teeth may not have enough room to emerge fully or grow in the right direction, resulting in impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain, and infection, and they may need to be removed.

In conclusion, the mystery of whether everyone gets wisdom teeth has been solved – about 65% of the population does, with the remaining 35% missing out on this extra set of molars. Evolution is ultimately to thank for this discrepancy, as our dietary habits no longer necessitate these extra teeth. Regardless, if you do develop wisdom teeth, monitor them closely for potential issues and seek medical attention if needed.