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Children’s Dentist Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, usually appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth typically develop at this stage, but not everyone gets them. Also known as third molars, these teeth were once essential for our ancestors, who relied on them to chew tough, unprocessed foods. However, as human diets and jaw sizes have evolved, wisdom teeth have become less necessary. When they don’t have enough space to grow properly, they can often cause complications.
There are many common myths about wisdom teeth. Some believe that everyone has them, while others think they always need to be removed. In reality, wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems, and modern dentistry provides various ways to manage them. Understanding the facts behind these myths can help you better care for your oral health.
Contents Navigation
- Summary of The Content
- Myth 1: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth
- Myth 2: Wisdom Teeth Always Need Removal
- Myth 3: Wisdom Teeth Are Useless
- Myth 4: Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Pain
- Myth 5: Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Always Painful
- Myth 6: Delaying Removal Has No Consequences
- Myth 7: Only Problematic Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction
- Final Thoughts
Summary of The Content
- Wisdom teeth extraction isn’t always necessary. If they grow in properly and don’t cause issues, they won’t need removal. However, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to crowding, tooth decay, or gum disease.
- Wisdom teeth typically develop in the late teens or early twenties, but not everyone has them. Some people may have all four wisdom teeth, while others have fewer or none due to genetics.
- Wisdom teeth are not useless—they once helped our ancestors chew tough foods. While less necessary today, they can still function if they emerge well.
- Not all wisdom teeth cause pain. Some grow without issues, while others become impacted, leading to discomfort, infection, or pressure on other teeth.
- Delaying removal can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health concerns over time.
- Understanding the common myths about wisdom teeth can help people feel more confident about discussing their options with a dentist.
Myth 1: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth
Many people assume that everyone develops wisdom teeth, but this isn’t true. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none at all. Studies suggest that around 20% of people are born without them, mainly due to genetic factors.
Wisdom teeth were once essential for our ancestors, who needed them to chew rough, unprocessed foods. However, as human jaws have become smaller over time, these teeth are no longer necessary. Some people may have all four wisdom teeth, while others might not develop any at all due to genetics.
If you’re unsure whether you have wisdom teeth, a dental X-ray can determine how many wisdom teeth a person has. X-rays allow dentists to check if the teeth are present, impacted, or still developing beneath the gums.
Myth 2: Wisdom Teeth Always Need Removal
Many people believe that wisdom teeth must always be removed, but this isn’t the case. Dentists evaluate each situation individually, considering factors like jaw size, tooth alignment, and overall oral health before making recommendations. Some wisdom teeth grow properly without causing any problems, while others may become impacted or misaligned, leading to complications. Wisdom teeth can push against nearby teeth and sometimes cause alignment issues. However, if they erupt properly and do not cause discomfort, removal may not be necessary.
However, there are situations where removing wisdom teeth is recommended:
- Impaction
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to emerge fully, they become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gums or jawbone. This can lead to pain, swelling, or infection, and in severe cases, may even affect the surrounding bone. Impacted teeth are also difficult to clean, increasing the risk of bacterial buildup and infections. - Crowding
If there isn’t enough room in the jaw, wisdom teeth can push against nearby teeth, potentially shifting them out of alignment. This can create problems for people who have had orthodontic treatment, as the shifting may undo previous treatments. In some cases, crowding caused by wisdom teeth can lead to bite issues and discomfort. - Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are positioned at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as food and bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Poor cleaning around wisdom teeth may also contribute to bad breath and inflammation of the surrounding gums, a condition known as pericoronitis. - Cysts or Infections
In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can develop fluid-filled cysts. It may also lead to serious infections that can damage the jawbone or surrounding teeth. Cysts can expand over time, weakening the bone structure and increasing the risk of complications. Early detection through dental X-rays helps prevent these issues from progressing. - Difficulty Maintaining Oral Hygiene
If wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can trap food and bacteria, making them difficult to clean. This increases the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and recurring infections. In some cases, improper cleaning around wisdom teeth can contribute to chronic gum disease. This condition may spread to surrounding teeth and affect overall oral health.
Dentists monitor wisdom teeth over time and recommend removal only when necessary to prevent future complications. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays help assess their positioning and determine the most suitable course of action. For some people, keeping wisdom teeth is possible with proper oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning.
Myth 3: Wisdom Teeth Are Useless
Some people believe that wisdom teeth have no function, but this isn’t entirely true. Historically, these third molars helped our ancestors chew tough foods like raw meat, nuts, and roots. Over time, human jaws have become smaller, making it more common for wisdom teeth to cause issues.
However, not all wisdom teeth are problematic. Some people retain their upper wisdom teeth without issues if they have enough space to erupt properly. In contrast, lower wisdom teeth are more likely to become impacted due to a lack of space in the jaw. When wisdom teeth grow well, they can still assist in chewing and may not require removal.
Dentists evaluate wisdom teeth based on factors such as alignment, space, and overall oral health. If they are healthy, positioned properly, and do not affect nearby teeth, they may still serve a purpose. Regular dental check-ups help determine whether wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed.
Myth 4: Wisdom Teeth Always Cause Pain
Not everyone experiences pain from wisdom teeth. While some people may feel discomfort, others have wisdom teeth that emerge without any issues. Pain often depends on factors like impaction, infection, or pressure on surrounding teeth.
Pain often occurs when impacted wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly. When a wisdom tooth remains trapped under the gum or only partially emerges, it can lead to swelling, tenderness, or infection. In some cases, partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. This can cause inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene.
Regular dental check-ups help monitor wisdom teeth and detect potential problems early. If there are no signs of pain, infection, or crowding, removal may not be necessary.
Myth 5: Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Always Painful
Many people worry that wisdom tooth surgery is extremely painful, but this is a common misconception. Thanks to modern dental techniques, the procedure is much more comfortable than many expect. Dentists use local anaesthesia to numb the area. In other cases, sedation options may also be available to help patients feel more at ease. While some pressure may be felt during the extraction, the procedure itself is not painful.
Discomfort after wisdom tooth removal is normal, but it is usually manageable with proper care. The intensity of pain varies depending on factors like impaction, swelling, and healing speed. Most patients experience the most discomfort within the first 24-72 hours, with significant improvement within a week. Following proper oral hygiene and post-surgical care can prevent complications like infection or dry sockets.
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Adhering to post-surgery guidelines helps prevent complications and supports faster healing. Your dentist may prescribe pain relief medication to ease discomfort. - Apply an ice pack.
Using ice on the outside of the cheek in 15-minute intervals can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying ice within the first 24 hours is most effective in managing inflammation. - Stick to soft foods.
Eating soft foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or soup prevents irritation at the extraction site. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could disrupt healing. - Avoid using straws.
Sucking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. This can delay healing and cause severe discomfort. - Keep the area clean.
Gently rinsing with warm salt water (as advised by your dentist) can help maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid vigourous rinsing, as this may disturb the healing tissue. - Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
Giving your body time to heal can reduce swelling and promote a quicker recovery. Avoid strenuous activities like weightlifting and high-intensity exercise for at least a few days.
Most people recover within a few days to a week, with discomfort gradually decreasing over time. If pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by excessive swelling or fever, it’s important to contact a dentist for further advice.
Myth 6: Delaying Removal Has No Consequences
Some people believe that putting off wisdom teeth removal won’t cause any harm. However, delaying the procedure can lead to complications that impact both dental health and general well-being. Below are some possible risks of delaying removal:
- Tooth decay:
When wisdom teeth partially erupt, they can create spaces where bacteria and food get trapped. This increases the risk of tooth decay in the affected or surrounding teeth. - Cysts and Tumours:
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts that may damage the jawbone and nearby structures. - Gum Disease:
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can contribute to gum disease as bacteria accumulate around the gum tissue. - Crowding and Alignment Issues:
If there isn’t enough space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can push against nearby teeth, potentially affecting alignment. - Infections:
Delayed removal can lead to recurrent infections, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty chewing.
Regular dental check-ups help monitor wisdom teeth and detect early signs of complications. In some cases, early wisdom tooth removal is recommended to prevent future problems and reduce the risk of painful conditions.
Myth 7: Only Problematic Wisdom Teeth Need Extraction
Many believe that wisdom teeth only require removal if they cause pain or visible issues, but this is not always the case. Even asymptomatic wisdom teeth can contribute to oral health problems, particularly periodontal disease. These teeth often sit in hard-to-reach areas, making them more prone to plaque buildup. Over time, bacteria can accumulate around the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and affecting the surrounding teeth and gums.
Even when wisdom teeth do not cause immediate discomfort, they can create deep pockets between the gums and adjacent molars. This can result in gum infection, bone loss, and a higher risk of periodontal disease spreading to nearby teeth. The hidden nature of these issues makes it difficult for many people to notice the damage occurring beneath the surface. By the time the problem becomes apparent, it is often more advanced and harder to manage.
Regular dental evaluations help detect whether wisdom teeth are affecting oral health, even in the absence of symptoms. Dentists may recommend proactive removal to prevent potential complications, especially if there are early signs of gum disease or bone loss. Monitoring these teeth through routine check-ups allows any risks to be addressed before they lead to long-term oral health concerns.
Final Thoughts
There are many common myths about wisdom teeth, and understanding the facts can help you make better decisions for your oral health. While some people need their wisdom teeth removed due to impaction, crowding, or infection, others may not experience any issues. Modern techniques make the removal of wisdom teeth a more comfortable process than many expect. Practising good oral hygiene is vital to preventing complications like gum disease and tooth decay.
Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring wisdom teeth, even if they aren’t causing pain. In some cases, impacted teeth can affect other teeth, potentially leading to misalignment or an increased risk of decay. Dentists assess factors like positioning, gum health, and overall risk before recommending removal or continued monitoring.
At Karrinyup Dental Centre, we provide personalised care to help you decide the most suitable approach for your wisdom teeth. Whether you need a check-up, an X-ray, or advice on wisdom teeth removal, our experienced team is ready to help. We are here to support your oral health. Book an appointment today to discuss your options and keep your smile healthy.
