True Or False: Exploring The Common Myths About Wisdom Teeth

In fact, there are a ton of myths out there about wisdom teeth, how they are extracted, and why you should have them removed. This article will go over some of the common myths you may have heard regarding your wisdom teeth, giving you the facts instead.

Myth #1: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Some people have wisdom teeth underneath their gums that may never erupt, others may only have one or two eruptions, and some don’t have any at all. All of these scenarios are acceptable, unless they begin causing problems with your other teeth and gums. You will not know for sure if you have wisdom teeth or not until your dentist performs x-rays on your teeth between the ages of 17-25.

Myth #2: You Will Be Able To Tell If You Have Wisdom Teeth

Just because you cannot see your wisdom teeth does not mean that you do not have them. Your jawbone and soft tissue can conceal your wisdom teeth. To reveal whether or not you have wisdom teeth, your dentist will need to perform an x-ray on your mouth. The x-ray will also be able to reveal if you are having any problems with the growth of your wisdom teeth. This is why it is important  to visit your dentist regularly every six months so they can detect these potential issues before they cause damage to your other teeth.

Myth #3: Everyone Needs To Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed. Many people believe that if they are not removed they will cause crowding or become impacted and painful. Others also believe that this is why they require orthodontic treatment or braces. Although wisdom teeth can cause these potential issues, it is not always the case for everyone. Some people's wisdom teeth come in correctly positioned and healthy without causing any problems. Your wisdom teeth will only need to come out when your dentist sees evidence of potential issues such as:

• Damage to other teeth
• Jaw damage
• Inflamed gums
• Sinus problems
• Decay
• Difficulty keeping up with proper oral hygiene

Myth #4: Wisdom Teeth Have No Purpose

Wisdom teeth perform the same function as your current teeth which is making chewing easier. Many anthropologists believe that humans historically needed wisdom teeth to consume rough and coarse foods like meat and leaves that require more chewing effort. However, today’s diets consist of softer foods with the help of utensils that make it easier to eat and chew our food without the need for wisdom teeth.

Visit Dr.Korol Dental To Learn More About Your Wisdom Teeth

While wisdom teeth extraction is a type of surgery, removing wisdom teeth is a common and fairly safe procedure. Although you may not think you have wisdom teeth or that you do not require wisdom teeth extraction, it is important that you get a professional opinion from your dentist to prevent future dental problems.

Dr. Korol Dental is a leading holistic and biocompatible dental practice in Calgary that offers wisdom teeth extractions, dental cleanings, emergency dentistry, and more. Dr. Korol has the experience and expertise to evaluate your wisdom teeth to know if they require extraction or are healthy enough to be left alone. To book a dental exam to learn more about your wisdom teeth and whether or not they need to be extracted, contact our clinic by calling 1-403-245-9099, or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How often should I visit the dentist for a dental cleaning?
A:  The Canadian Association of Dentistry recommends patients visit their dentist once every six months.

Q: Is mouth pain a sign of my wisdom teeth coming in?
A: Pain in the back of your mouth can be caused by improper wisdom teeth eruption. If you feel pain in the back of your mouth, particularly your gums and jaw, visit your dentist right away so they can assess your condition.

Q: At what age do wisdom teeth come in?
A: Wisdom teeth usually begin to erupt between the ages of 17-25.