Have you heard of wisdom teeth? They’re the teeth that usually come in the back of your mouth when you’re older, around 17–25 years old. For a long time, dentists thought it was a good idea to remove them before they caused problems. But now, many experts believe it’s better to leave them alone if they’re healthy and not causing pain. Let’s learn why!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, located at the very back of your mouth. Here’s a simple diagram:
[Front teeth] 🦷🦷🦷🦷 [Middle teeth] 🦷🦷🦷🦷 [Wisdom teeth] 🦷🦷
Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none at all!
Why Did People Remove Wisdom Teeth Before?
In the past, dentists removed wisdom teeth because they thought:
- They would grow in crooked.
- They would cause pain.
- They could push your other teeth and mess up your smile.
- They were unnecessary.
But Guess What?
Not all wisdom teeth cause problems! Removing them can sometimes cause more harm than good.
What Experts Say Now
Experts now recommend leaving your wisdom teeth if they’re:
- Healthy
- Fully grown in (not stuck under your gums)
- Not causing pain or infection
They believe it’s better to keep them unless there’s a good reason to take them out.
Reasons to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth
Here’s why experts suggest keeping them:
1. It’s Natural
Wisdom teeth are part of your body, and they might even help you chew food.
2. No Pain? No Problem!
If your wisdom teeth aren’t hurting you, there’s no reason to remove them.
3. Unnecessary Surgery Can Be Risky
Removing wisdom teeth is a type of surgery, and all surgeries come with risks, like:
- Infection
- Swelling
- Nerve damage
4. They Might Stay Healthy
Not everyone’s wisdom teeth cause problems. If they grow in straight and you brush well, they can be healthy!
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Sometimes, you still need to remove wisdom teeth. For example:
- If they’re stuck under your gums (impacted).
- If they’re infected or causing pain.
- If they’re pushing other teeth.
Table: Keep or Remove?
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Growing in straight | Keep |
| No pain or problems | Keep |
| Pain or swelling | Remove |
| Pushing other teeth | Remove |
How to Take Care of Your Wisdom Teeth
If your dentist says your wisdom teeth are fine to keep, you need to care for them properly.
Tips for Healthy Wisdom Teeth:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily (even the back teeth).
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Eat healthy foods that aren’t too sticky or hard.
Diagram: Wisdom Teeth Health Check
A simple picture of a happy, healthy wisdom tooth:
😊 = Healthy!
🤕 = Needs a check-up!
What Experts Have Learned from Research
Recent studies have shown:
- Most wisdom teeth don’t cause issues.
- Removing healthy wisdom teeth isn’t necessary.
- Keeping them can save you time, pain, and money.
Here’s a graph showing how wisdom tooth removal rates have dropped:
Wisdom Teeth Removal (Percent of People):
2010: ██████████████ 80%
2020: ████████ 50%
Today: ████ 25%
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth
1. What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing issues, nothing bad will happen. You’ll just have extra teeth to help you chew food!
2. Can wisdom teeth grow in crooked?
Yes, they can, but not everyone’s do. If they grow crooked, they might press on other teeth or cause pain. In that case, a dentist might recommend removal.
3. How do I know if my wisdom teeth are causing problems?
Here are some signs your wisdom teeth might need attention:
- Swollen or red gums
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Pain in the back of your mouth
4. What does “impacted wisdom teeth” mean?
Impacted wisdom teeth are stuck under your gums and can’t fully grow. They might press against other teeth, cause infections, or hurt. If they’re impacted, a dentist might recommend removing them.
5. Is it okay to keep wisdom teeth if they’re impacted?
Sometimes, yes! If they’re not causing pain, infection, or other problems, you might not need to remove them. Your dentist will monitor them with X-rays.
Key Takeaway
If your wisdom teeth aren’t bothering you, don’t rush to remove them. Listen to your dentist, brush your teeth well, and take good care of your smile.
Remember: Healthy wisdom teeth = No surgery needed!
