Most adults between the ages 17 and 21 develop their third set of molars – commonly called wisdom teeth. They are all the way in the back of your mouth, and an average adult gets three sets of molars on top and bottom, and on both sides of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they are the last teeth to emerge.
Babies are born with a full set of teeth higher up in the skull structure when they are born. A set of 20 baby teeth erupts and falls out. Then 32 permanent teeth grow in. The first set of molars usually becomes visible at age 6, the second set around 12, and the final set sometime before age 21. Wisdom teeth were once essential for an early human diet of roots, leaves, meat, and nuts. However, they are no longer necessary really.
Scientists believe humans have evolved beyond needing wisdom teeth, and so some people may never get any. However, just because you don't see them does not mean they aren't there. Sometimes wisdom teeth don't ever erupt and won't ever become visible. However, they are present under your gums.
So why do we get wisdom teeth removed?
Invisible wisdom teeth cause greater oral health problems than visible ones. Scientists believe the human brain grew bigger over time, and their jaws got smaller over the evolutionary period. Smaller jaws mean there isn't always enough room in the mouth for all our teeth. There are four wisdom teeth in total. Most human jaws are done growing by the time a person is 18 years old, but most wisdom teeth emerge when a person is around 19.5 years old.
Most wisdom teeth-related problems are due to the fact that they just don't fit. They could be crooked, growing sideways, tooth decay, cysts under the gums. There are many reasons. Ideally, teenagers should be evaluated for wisdom teeth removal surgery. It is believed people who get their wisdom teeth removed at a younger age tend to heal better from surgery. If one decides not to have their wisdom teeth removed, they tend to become problematic over time.
