Yes, it is possible to not have wisdom teeth. The human mouth typically has 28 teeth – four incisors, two canines, four premolars, and 16 molars (including the four wisdom teeth). Each person is unique and some people may lack one or more types of teeth, including the wisdom teeth.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, up to 65% of people may not have all four wisdom teeth, or may have extra teeth. This is because wisdom teeth often erupt out of the jaw at different times and in different combinations, or not at all.
While wisdom teeth can add extra biting surface to a person’s mouth, their presence is not necessary since most people chew fine without them.
What happens if you don’t have wisdom teeth?
If you don’t have wisdom teeth, it’s likely due to a condition called hypodontia, which occurs when one or more of the teeth fail to develop during childhood. There could be a variety of reasons why this has happened, such as genetic conditions or developmental anomalies.
In some cases, the teeth have been blocked from coming in due to a lack of space crowded by other teeth.
Regardless of the reason, having fewer than the typical number of teeth is a common occurrence. The scientific community estimates that at least 10 percent of the population has fewer teeth than they should, while more conservative estimates place that number closer to 5 percent.
Since many people with hypodontia don’t require any special treatment, they may not even know they have fewer teeth.
It is worth noting that not having wisdom teeth can be beneficial in some cases. People without wisdom teeth tend to suffer fewer dental issues related to overcrowding, and there is no medical evidence that not having wisdom teeth can lead to any other health issues.
In fact, dentists sometimes recommend that people with yellow teeth wait to remove wisdom teeth until they’re in their twenties so they can enjoy the advantages of having additional teeth during childhood.
Why was I born without wisdom teeth?
It is unclear why some individuals are born without their wisdom teeth, as the cause is currently unknown, however, there are various theories that have been suggested. Some say that the decrease in size of the human jaw has led to a decrease in the number of teeth needed and therefore, some individuals will be born without them.
Another theory is that the decrease in human diets to include more processed and softer foods has meant that wisdom teeth have become less necessary and this has decreased their overall prevalence. It is also thought that environmental pressures like overcrowding and a resulting decrease in resources has meant that the wisdom teeth are no longer advantageous and therefore, some individuals will be born without them.
Ultimately, the exact reason why some individuals are born without wisdom teeth is unknown, and further research may be required to determine the cause.
Does everyone get wisdom teeth?
No, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. While most people will get four wisdom teeth, there are some people who don’t get any wisdom teeth at all. Additionally, there are some people who only get one, two, or three wisdom teeth.
So it’s not necessary for everyone to have four wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth often cause overcrowding in the mouth or lead to other oral health problems, so many people who do have wisdom teeth need to have them removed.
What triggers wisdom teeth to grow?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, in a person’s mouth. They typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and they are the last teeth to develop, growing in long after baby teeth and permanent teeth have come in.
Wisdom teeth are believed to have evolved from our ancestors who needed the extra set of teeth to grind and chew tough foods.
Generally, the eruption of wisdom teeth is triggered by hormones in an individual’s body. The same hormones that stimulate growth in other areas of the body also cause the jaw to expand and the wisdom teeth to erupt.
While some people never get wisdom teeth, for others the eruption of wisdom teeth is a painful process. It is usually accompanied by swelling and soreness in the gums and may require minor dental surgery to be removed.
What are the benefits of keeping your wisdom teeth?
The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located in the very back of the mouth and are among the last to come in. Keeping them can yield several benefits.
Firstly, wisdom teeth can help maintain the balance and structure of the dental arch by filling in any empty spaces that would form with their absence. This can help provide a better chewing surface, which is helpful for maintaining or improving proper digestion.
Secondly, those who choose to keep their wisdom teeth may require less dental work throughout their lifetime. This includes less need for spacing, reshaping, bridging, and even dentures.
Thirdly, wisdom teeth can help maintain nearby teeth and support the jawbone. When there’s a major shift in the teeth, it can damage the underlying bones and jaw. This can also lead to malocclusions, also known as bite misalignment.
For some, wisdom teeth may not be an issue and can remain without any damaging consequences. But for others, wisdom teeth may grow in impacted, which means they can’t fully break through the gums. This can cause a number of problems, including pain, swelling, and alignment issues.
In those cases, removal may be the best option.
Overall, the decision to keep or remove wisdom teeth should depend on the particular case and be made with the recommendation of a dental professional.
At what age do wisdom teeth come in?
Wisdom teeth typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. While the exact time frame varies from person to person, most people begin noticing the emergence of their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties.
They are the last teeth to come in, commonly referred to as the “third molars. ” Some people may find that they never have their wisdom teeth come in, while others may have as many as four wisdom teeth.
It is important to get regular dental checkups in order to monitor the emergence of wisdom teeth and to identify any issues that may require dental treatment or removal.
Can you get wisdom teeth after 40?
It is possible to get wisdom teeth after 40, but generally not recommended. As people get older, the risk of complications from having wisdom teeth extracted may increase. Older people tend to have more closely knit and fused teeth, making the extraction process difficult and potentially more risky.
Additionally, the healing process may take longer for people over 40 due to decreased blood circulation and less efficient immune systems. Additionally, the nerve endings in your mouth may be more sensitive due to age, so it is more difficult to properly numb the area, so procedures such as wisdom tooth removal can be more painful and uncomfortable than expected.
It is best to discuss to a dentist and weigh the risks and benefits of having your wisdom teeth removed after the age of 40.
What is the purpose of wisdom teeth?
The purpose of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, is not entirely clear. It is believed that they may have played a role in the past in helping ancient humans to grind and chew tougher foods, such as raw meat, roots, and seeds, but this is no longer necessary in today’s diet.
Today, wisdom teeth generally come in between the ages of 17 and 21 and when they do not come in properly, they can cause pain, crowding, and other dental problems. Wisdom teeth may also be removed for dental health reasons such as if they’re impacted or become decayed.
Some people may choose to keep them, but it’s usually recommended to have them removed and to maintain good oral hygiene afterwards. Ultimately, the purpose of wisdom teeth is unclear, however, it’s important to understand that they can potentially cause dental problems when they come in and need to be removed if necessary.
What percentage of the population has wisdom teeth?
Approximately 70% of the population have wisdom teeth, although this can vary by geographic region. It is estimated that between 65-75% of adults over the age of 18 have some type of wisdom teeth. However, the prevalence of wisdom teeth varies among different populations.
For example, in the United States, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates that only about 35% of adults between the ages of 17-25 have all four wisdom teeth, and many adults never develop wisdom teeth at all.
Globally, the prevalence of wisdom teeth has been reported to range between 56-90%. On average, it appears that roughly two-thirds of the population will develop some type of wisdom teeth.
How many wisdom teeth does the average person have?
The average person has four wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, located in the back corners of their upper and lower jaws. While most people have four wisdom teeth, some may have fewer or even more due to personal variation.
In general, it is normal to have four third molars – two on the top and two on the bottom. These wisdom teeth may come in at any time between the ages of 17 and 25. For some individuals, these teeth may not come in at all or may remain impacted in the gums, resulting in no visible teeth above the gum line.
Similarly, if there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth to erupt, crowding may occur and cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, removal of the wisdom teeth may be necessary to prevent overcrowding and infection.
How long does it take for all 4 wisdom teeth to come in?
It typically takes between 18 and 25 years for all 4 wisdom teeth to come in. The process of growing in wisdom teeth usually begins at around age 17 or 18, and can continue up until age 25. The process also varies from person to person, so one individual could have their wisdom teeth grow in earlier than another.
Generally, the wisdom teeth on the lower jaw are among the first to come in and the ones on the upper jaw tend to come in later. It is important to monitor the process of wisdom teeth growth in order to catch any potential problems early on.
If your wisdom teeth do not seem to be in the process of growing in, it is best to consult your dentist for further advice.
Are wisdom teeth declining?
Yes, wisdom teeth are declining. They were once essential for our ancestors for their diets of tough, fibrous foods, but with a modern diet of softer foods, the need for wisdom teeth is no longer necessary.
Studies show that the prevalence of wisdom teeth has decreased from around 95% to 35% in the past century.
Not only that, but it’s believed that the human jaw is shrinking and becoming too small to accommodate wisdom teeth, which are the last four adult molars to emerge and the furthest back teeth in the mouth.
This means that in many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted, or stuck and unable to emerge, creating a lot of pain. In other cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to properly erupt, leading to overcrowding and increased risk of gum disease.
In response to this decline, dentists tend to be proactive and recommend that wisdom teeth be extracted if they cause severe pain or significant overcrowding. Removal of the teeth is a relatively simple procedure and can help to preserve the health of the patient’s smile.
In summary, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary and are in decline due to modern diets and the shrinking size of the human jaw. As a result, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth are extracted if they cause pain or dental overcrowding.
