Where Are My Wisdom Teeth? Here’s Why You May Be Missing Out

Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, often make an appearance in your late teens or early twenties. For some, they’re an annoyance that must be dealt with, but for others, they’re nowhere to be found. But how can that be? Doesn’t everyone have wisdom teeth? Continue reading to learn more about the strange factors that affect who gets these meddlesome molars and who doesn’t!

Where Do Wisdom Teeth Come From?

Wisdom teeth are a throwback to the ancient ancestors of mankind. They had larger jaws and needed extra teeth to help grind down tough, raw foods like roots, nuts, and meat. Back then, having these additional teeth was very advantageous for survival!

However, as human diets evolved and communities started cooking their food, the need for extra chewing power fell off. Over time, human jaws became smaller, eventually becoming unable to accommodate the extra teeth.

Why Do Some People Not Have Wisdom Teeth?

So, why do some people get third molars, while others don’t? Well, it mostly comes down to genetics. Just like hair color, height, freckles, and other traits, whether you have extra teeth is determined by the genes you inherit from your parents. Some patients are born with all four wisdom teeth, while others may only have one, two, or three. Of course, there are also lucky patients who don’t develop any at all!

A recent study from the University of New South Wales suggests that around 35 percent of the population is now born without wisdom teeth! According to the study, this number is gradually increasing as “microevolution” continues, changing the composition of human jaws very quickly.

What Happens if You Have Wisdom Teeth?

For those who do develop these molars, it’s often a mixed bag. Some patients’ wisdom teeth come in without a hitch, perfectly aligned with the rest of their teeth. But for many, they only cause problems.

Since modern human jaws are smaller, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to erupt properly. This can lead to impaction, where the tooth gets stuck below the gum line, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection.

If your third molars do start to cause issues, your dentist might recommend having them extracted. While the thought of oral surgery can be daunting, it’s often the best thing you can do to prevent complications.

Unfortunately, whether you have wisdom teeth or not is largely out of your control. However, whether you’ve got a full set or none, the most important thing is to stay on top of your dental health. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure that your oral health remains resilient and comfortable.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Shively is a dedicated dentist with a degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and over 600 hours of advanced training. For years, he’s provided quality dental care to his patients in Lubbock, educating and empowering them to take care of their smiles. Call (806) 698-8660 to schedule a consultation at Kevin Shively, DMD, PLLC – Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. You can also visit our website to explore all the treatments and services we offer.