Wisdom teeth have existed since ancient times, because human ancestors often had large jaws, often needing three molars to chew and bite hard foods.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, located at the end, similar in shape to the remaining molars, but sometimes smaller. They are often called wisdom teeth because they are the last of the 32 permanent teeth to grow, appearing between the ages of 17 and 25, when people become more mature. Not everyone grows all 4 wisdom teeth, while many people have to have them removed.
In fact, humans share similar characteristics with primates. Monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees all have wisdom teeth. Several million years ago, human ancestors had larger jaws and teeth than today. For example, Australopithecus afarensis, which lived about 3 to 4 million years ago, had teeth that were much larger and thicker than those of modern humans. They have three large molars with thick enamel. According to evidence obtained on fossil skulls of some primates of this group, their chewing muscles were very strong.
Scientists believe that large and strong teeth helped them adapt to living conditions at that time. Ancient meat and plants were much harder to chew than today. Humans need three molars, including wisdom teeth, to chew food.
Illustration of wisdom teeth growing crookedly, hitting adjacent molars. Image: Englishoms
In modern times, food is softer and easier to chew, making the “task” of teeth less difficult. As a result, modern humans’ jaws have evolved to be smaller, making their faces flatter than their ancestors. Date changes happen very slowly over millions of years. At some point, third molars or wisdom teeth are no longer as important as before.
According to research, about 25% of the world’s population currently lacks at least one wisdom tooth. Scientists are not sure of the reason, but they believe that this phenomenon is related to genes inherited from parents. Some experts argue that the lack of wisdom teeth is an advantage for modern humans with smaller jaws, making chewing movements easier.
Sometimes, due to lack of space, wisdom teeth can become stuck inside the jawbone and never fully erupt, or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth occur in the lower jaw more often than in the upper jaw. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, tooth decay, and gingivitis. That’s why dentists often recommend wisdom tooth extraction.