The debate around whether humans need wisdom teeth or not has been on for a while, and today, we’ll explore the genetics behind this dental occurrence. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge from the gums, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood. Interestingly, while some people get them, others don’t. Let’s delve deep to unravel the science behind the genetics of wisdom teeth.
The emergence of wisdom teeth is linked to the evolution of human diets. Our ancestors had a more challenging diet, consisting of raw foods that required more grinding and chewing. As such, wisdom teeth were necessary for the effective break down of food, and survival. However, as our diets evolved, the need for wisdom teeth became less necessary.
Generally, wisdom teeth can be either impacted, partially erupted, or fully erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth, the most common type, are trapped beneath the gums and grow at an angle that causes discomfort, pain and can lead to infections. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are those that emerge halfway and are more challenging to clean properly, increasing the prevalence of bacterial infections. Fully erupted wisdom teeth, on the other hand, emerge entirely and function like any other molar in the mouth.
According to research, genetics play a significant role in determining whether or not you’ll have wisdom teeth. In some families, it’s common for everyone to have wisdom teeth, while in others, nobody does. Studies have found that people from Asian descent are less likely to have wisdom teeth than other populations. On the contrary, people of European and African descent are more likely to have them. These statistics suggest that the presence or absence of wisdom teeth is something that is passed down through generations of a family.
Some studies have highlighted that the mutations in the PAX9 gene, for instance, are linked to the presence of wisdom teeth. This gene is responsible for the development of teeth, and variations in it could lead to extra teeth, including wisdom teeth. Research has also found links between wisdom teeth and genes that regulate oral infections. These studies have established that the presence of wisdom teeth increases the likelihood of oral infections, which is a public health concern.
In conclusion, the mystery behind the genetics behind wisdom teeth has been unraveled. Whether you get wisdom teeth or not might be predetermined by genetics as they play a substantial role in their development. However, its value is not particularly necessary for human survival in this age. Despite advancements in dental technology, wisdom teeth continue to cause discomfort, pain and lead to infections, which highlights the importance of regular dental checkups to monitor their growth and development.
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