The Lowdown on Wisdom Teeth: Why Some People Don’t Have Them
Wisdom teeth: those pesky molars that tend to appear in our late teens or early twenties, causing discomfort, pain, and swelling. Not everyone gets them, though. In fact, some people never have to deal with wisdom teeth at all. But why is that? Why do some people have all four wisdom teeth, while others don’t have any? Let’s take a closer look at the lowdown on wisdom teeth and why some people don’t have them.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Before we dive into the reasons why some people don’t have wisdom teeth, let’s establish what they are. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically appear in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, but sometimes they can develop later in life. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some have fewer, and others have none at all.
Why Don’t Some People Have Wisdom Teeth?
There are a few reasons why some people don’t have wisdom teeth. The first reason is a genetic mutation. In some cases, a genetic mutation can cause a person to be born without wisdom teeth. This mutation is more common than you might think, occurring in approximately 35% of the population.
Another reason why some people don’t have wisdom teeth is that they have evolved not to need them. Our distant ancestors had larger jaws and needed wisdom teeth to help them chew tough plant material. However, as our diets have evolved over time, our jaws have become smaller, and we don’t need wisdom teeth as much as we used to.
In some cases, a person may have had their wisdom teeth removed earlier in life. Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection if they don’t emerge correctly, so many people opt to have them removed. If a person has had their wisdom teeth removed, they obviously won’t have them.
Conclusion
While many people have to deal with the discomfort and pain of wisdom teeth, some are fortunate enough to be born without them. Whether it’s due to genetics, evolution, or a previous removal, there are a few reasons why some people don’t have wisdom teeth. Understanding why we have (or don’t have) wisdom teeth can help us appreciate the complexity of the human body and how it continues to evolve.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)
Speech tips:
Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.