Myths on the Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, those mystical molars that emerge in the back of the mouth, are subject to a lot of rumors and myths. The very name, wisdom teeth, can be misleading in itself, because wisdom teeth have nothing to do with wisdom, and wisdom teeth are actually called third molars. However, through these stories and fables, wisdom teeth have worked their way into a special place in our hearts and our mouths.

Wisdom Teeth Are Pointless

• One common myth held about wisdom teeth is that they serve no purpose. Some claim that these teeth are simply evolutionary remnants from a time when humans had drastically different diets, and now there is no need for these teeth. However, studies show that some humans still use these teeth for certain reasons. Although these teeth are not crucial to the eating process, humans still use the third molars to chew some foods, and so they can be useful.

Everyone Should Have Them Removed

• Along with the idea that wisdom teeth are pointless, many people argue that everyone should have wisdom teeth removed early in life to prevent them from decaying or causing tooth disease. However, this thinking is outdated and not consistent with a lot of current research, which indicates that removing wisdom teeth can be more dangerous than leaving the teeth in the mouth. Dentists claim that people should remove the wisdom teeth only when they begin to cause problems but, before this, there is no need to undergo a dangerous removal procedure.

Removing Them Earlier Is Better

• Another common myth about wisdom teeth is that removing them at a young age is less painful, because nerve endings are less developed and the body can handle the pain better. This is false. Studies show that patients suffer an average of 2.27 days of standard discomfort or disability, and this figure is consistent for people of all ages. So, removing wisdom teeth at an early age to prevent pain is a myth.

Wisdom Teeth Contain Wisdom

• Maybe you're refraining from removing your wisdom teeth because you want to remain wise. This is also a myth, and stems from the fact that the third molars arise during the teenage phase of development. Wisdom teeth are called wisdom teeth because they often grow in during the period in which a person is becoming an adult and developing wisdom.