5 Facts You May Not Know About Wisdom Teeth

People have many opinions when it comes to wisdom teeth. Most times, they visit the dentist with notions regarding the eruption and extraction of wisdom teeth, some of which are incorrect.
Five important facts you may not know about wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth have outlived their usage in modern adults
Our mouth has the structure to hold 28 teeth. However, wisdom teeth or the third molars were vital for humanity's ancestors. Due to the nature of their diet, they needed additional teeth to chew and process foods in the mouth. They also did not have good oral hygiene and dental care, which often caused tooth loss while they were still young. When they reached teenage years or adolescence, the wisdom teeth would erupt. The extra set of teeth would be vital for normal oral functions.
Nowadays, wisdom teeth are not as important. Our diets are different, and the additional set of teeth are no longer needed to process foods. Experts recommend you go for a wisdom teeth extraction once you notice any issue with their eruption, such as impaction.
Wisdom teeth eruption can cause halitosis
You already know that erupting wisdom teeth can be accompanied by a great deal of pain. However, you may not know that they can also cause halitosis or bad breath. During the process of breaking out from the gums, they can cause tears that trap food particles and bacteria. As the particles decay and the bacteria grow, the patient may start to notice persistent halitosis, even after brushing the teeth. This may be an excellent reason to consider wisdom teeth extraction.
Wisdom teeth can disrupt normal teeth alignment
You may have worked tirelessly to achieve a beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment and teeth whitening. However, once wisdom teeth start erupting, they can disrupt the position of other teeth, especially if there is not enough space on the jaw to accommodate them. This could hamper the beauty of your smile and cause teeth crowding. The wisdom teeth may need to be removed to restore normalcy.
Impacted wisdom teeth hardly ever erupt
Not all wisdom teeth make it out of the gums. Some get impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jawbone or blocked by other teeth. This often happens when the wisdom teeth come in at an awkward angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and will need to be removed through a surgical procedure.
Wisdom teeth extraction is not as painful as you thought
Many people may have mentioned that the process of extracting wisdom teeth is painful and debilitating. That is not always so if you undergo the procedure with a professional and experienced dentist. The dental expert will ensure maximum comfort during the procedure by administering anesthesia and other forms of sedation dentistry.
Final note
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are coming in, you should book an appointment with your dentist to have them checked. If they are bound to cause trouble, the dentist will suggest extraction to prevent the pain of eruption and impaction.
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