BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
As people age, changes in the body become more noticeable, including the emergence of the so-called “wisdom teeth.” But why does their growth often come with pain?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 20.
Unlike other teeth, these molars grow in the farthest corners of the mouth, where there is usually little to no space left.
As a result, they often become impacted, leading to swelling, pain, or even infection.
Experts say that wisdom teeth are actually remnants of human evolution.
Our ancestors used them to chew raw meats and hard plants, as their diet required extra molars for grinding food.
However, with the discovery of fire around one to two million years ago, cooking made food softer, reducing the need for extra molars.
Over time, the human jaw evolved to become smaller, but the number of teeth remained at 32, leaving no room for the wisdom teeth to grow properly.
This is why many people experience discomfort when they start to erupt.
The term “wisdom teeth” comes from the belief that these molars emerge during the age when a person begins to gain a deeper understanding and maturity between 17 and 25 years old.
Interestingly, not everyone has wisdom teeth.
Due to genetic variation, some individuals, such as certain indigenous Mexicans and Koreans, naturally do not develop them.
If wisdom teeth do not cause pain or dental issues, dentists say they can be left alone.
But in cases where they lead to swelling, jaw pain, damage to nearby teeth, or cyst formation, oral surgery may be necessary.
Scientists also believe that through the ongoing process of human evolution, wisdom teeth may eventually disappear, although this may take thousands or even millions of years.
