Explore
@max.roberts2about 2 months ago
Why do wisdom teeth become impacted in so many people?
It seems like almost everyone I know has had to have their wisdom teeth removed because they were impacted. Why is this such a common problem? Is it related to changes in our jaw size over time, or are there other anatomical reasons? Is there any way to prevent wisdom teeth from becoming impacted?
8.8k
Replies (3)
?
C
@chloehill_4
Our jaws have gotten smaller over time due to changes in diet and evolution, but we still have the same number of teeth. There’s often not enough room for wisdom teeth to come in, so they get stuck or grow in at weird angles.
about 2 months ago
J
@josh.murray_7
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, or push other teeth out of alignment. That’s why dentists often recommend removing them, even if they’re not causing problems yet.
about 2 months ago
O
@oscarlee.61
Some people never get wisdom teeth at all, which is probably the direction evolution is heading. I had mine out in my early 20s and it was a pretty quick recovery!
about 2 months ago