Don’t let the name fool you, wisdom teeth aren’t filled with intelligence. They aren’t really so smart. When they arrive at class 10 minutes after the bell rings, they become the bully no one likes, the kid who causes chaos and disrupts the day for everyone. 

Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth show up between the ages of 17 and 25 – if they show up at all. Most people experience trouble no sooner than wisdom teeth unpack their bags. A few lucky ones enjoy a chaos-free life with them, although rarely.

Dentist Dr. Leana Thanos said it best, “Just because they’re called wisdom teeth doesn’t mean they’re wise. They’re often unpredictable and don’t always have enough room to come in properly. The tooth often presents more headache than benefit.”

If wisdom teeth cause so much trouble, why do we have them in the first place? What type of trouble do the teeth typically cause? Is wisdom tooth extraction a good idea? You have questions. We have answers to those questions and others in the post below.

Why do we Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are like those cousins in the back of the room who didn’t get the memo, so everyone else in the family stares expressionless as they leave the room.

Long ago, people needed wisdom teeth.  Humans ate roots, nuts, and raw meat (without brushing or flossing afterward, might we add) in caveman days. Those third molars helped grind food; our ancestors needed more teeth than we do today, thanks to cooking food, modern technology, and softer foods. 

Our mouths are smaller, too, so we do not need as many teeth in the way people did long ago. There is no room for wisdom teeth, but that doesn’t stop them.

The wisdom teeth still come around to disturb the peace, push and shove others around, and take up seats when the room is already at full capacity, as those darn cousins often do.

Wisdom teeth sometimes erupt normally, but it’s rare. Most wisdom teeth come in sideways, crooked, or get stuck between the gums and jawbone. The latter situation is pretty painful and can lead to swelling, pain, and infection in severe cases.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not cause pain or other symptoms, yet come in like a wrecking ball to wreak havoc underneath the surface. Only through an X-ray can you learn if the tooth is causing harm beneath your eyes.

The Impact of Wisdom Teeth on Your Whole Mouth

Wisdom teeth affect nearly every area of your mouth.

• Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth erupt in the back of the mouth. Reaching them with a toothbrush can be challenging due to their awkward positioning and improper oral care. Improper brushing can lead to cavities on the surrounding teeth.
• Crowding: By the time the third molars erupt, all the other teeth have grown accustomed to their place in your mouth and their job as a tooth. Wisdom teeth can push the teeth around, causing shifting, especially around the front teeth. Talk about rude! Impacted teeth can put pressure on nearby teeth, cause misalignment issues, and cause pain and swelling.
• Jaw Pain/Stiffness: Jaw pain and stiffness can make everyday activities like talking and chewing painful and difficult. Jaw pain can lead to added pressure on the area and the nerves. If you suddenly feel pain or stiffness in the jaw, check for the third molars.
• Gum Issues: Wisdom teeth that do not fully erupt may leave flaps of gum tissue that can harbor bacteria. Hidden bacteria can lead to bad breath and leave a bad taste in the mouth. Gum issues can even create bigger problems like swelling, pain, gum inflammation, and infection if not properly treated. Treating gum issues when a wisdom tooth is the cause and still in your mouth is practically impossible!  
• Cysts: Although rare, fluid-filled cysts can form from wisdom teeth, leading to jawbone and tooth damage.

The problems above can lead to additional issues, including:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Difficulty chewing
• Difficulty speaking
• Jaw pressure

To Extract or Not to Extract a Wisdom Tooth?; That is the Question

Although some people live with wisdom teeth without problems, dentists often recommend pulling them anyway, before problems occur. 

Dentists agree that pulling wisdom teeth is easier when the patient is in their 20s or younger, before the tooth has time to cause havoc in the mouth.

Extracting a wisdom tooth ends the trouble before additional tooth or jaw damage occurs.

Many signs suggest it’s time to extract a wisdom tooth, including:

• Cavities
• Gum disease diagnosis
• Teeth shifting
• Crowding
• Swelling
• Infections

Your dentist will take X-rays and assess your oral health to determine the proper steps to take in 

your situation. 

Dentists agree that pulling third molars on patients still in their 20s or younger is much easier. Yes, some people live a happy life with wisdom teeth, but is that a risk you want to take? 

Your dentist will take X-rays to determine if the wisdom tooth is behaving or causing issues, if you prefer. If anything is going on beneath the surface, the dentist can give you the details to help you make a decision regarding extraction. Dentists recommend pulling wisdom teeth if they see issues like impacted or awkwardly angled teeth.

When you decide on wisdom tooth extraction, rest assured that the procedure isn’t as horrible as some might want you to think. Follow all instructions provided by your dentist for the procedure, and rest assured, all will go smoothly and safely. Bonus: Record the procedure for a TikTok video. It could be your opportunity to go viral! 

The Bottom Line

Wisdom teeth impact your whole mouth in big ways. Removing it could be a good idea, especially if the teeth impact others nearby. Talk to your dentist about your options and help determine if extraction is best.

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