Wisdom teeth are your last set of adult teeth to grow in. Another name for wisdom teeth is “third molars,” and they’re in the very back of your mouth.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in properly and never cause any trouble. But often, wisdom teeth get stuck in your gums or jawbone and don’t grow in (impacted wisdom teeth). When this happens, it can result in infection, cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. That’s why many healthcare providers recommend removing them.
If wisdom teeth erupt into their proper positions, they can provide support in the back of your mouth and preserve bone in your jaw. But in general, we don’t really need our wisdom teeth. In fact, most healthcare providers consider them vestigial. This means they served a purpose at one point, but don’t anymore.
Our ancestors’ primitive diet consisted of a lot of raw plants, hard nuts and tough meats — and wisdom teeth were necessary to grind these foods for proper digestion. Today, modern food preparation and eating utensils have eliminated our need for wisdom teeth. As we got used to these dietary changes, our bodies went through some small evolutionary changes. For example, our jaws became smaller. This is why many people don’t have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to grow in.