Wisdom Teeth

35% of the population is born without wisdom teeth. Evolution may imply that we’re not enjoying those steaks like we used to.

Research shows that our ancestors had much larger jaws than we do, helping them chew a tough diet of roots, nuts and leaves and meat without the use of forks and knives. All this tough eating led to worn down teeth, which needed replacing. Hence the wisdom teeth:

A third set of molars is believed to be the evolutionary answer to accommodate our ancestors’ eating habit.

Today, we have utensils to cut our food. Our meals are softer and easier to chew, and our jaws are much smaller as a result, which is why wisdom teeth are often impacted when they come in — there just isn’t room for them.

Like the appendix, wisdom teeth have become vestigial organs.

If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, contact us today and we can find a way to help!