Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. While these teeth were helpful to our ancestors, who had larger jaws and needed extra chewing power, modern human mouths often don’t have enough space to accommodate them. This lack of space can lead to various issues, making wisdom teeth a common focus of dental care.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Historically, wisdom teeth served as a backup set of molars for early humans whose diets included rough, uncooked foods that wore down their teeth. Today, with advances in dental care and changes in diet, wisdom teeth have largely become unnecessary. In many cases, they can cause more harm than good, leading to complications that require professional evaluation and treatment.
