There’s some weird stories being told about wisdom teeth. Let’s get you clued up!
Do you need to remove that weird third molar that seemed to come out of nowhere? Are wisdom teeth useless? Read on to find out the truth on the mysterious molars.
Myth 1: Everyone has The Same Experience
Some people have third molars that never erupt. Some would have 1 or 2 that erupt. Others don’t have wisdom teeth at all!
If you’re curious if you’re one of the lucky few, you can ask your dentist for an X-ray!
Myth 2: You Must Remove Wisdom Teeth Early
Some believe that if wisdom teeth are not removed early, they will cause crowding (the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws).
This is false! Wisdom teeth can grow just like any other tooth. Seek dental care only if you think your wisdom teeth are impacted. Below are some ways to tell if your wisdom teeth could be impacted:
- swelling gums, usually behind your second molars
- jaw pain
- difficulty opening your mouth wide
- bleeding or tender gums
- a bad taste in your mouth
- bad breath
Myth 3: Wisdom Teeth Are Useless
Early humans ate rough food, so they needed those extra molars. Today’s diet is very different! Wisdom teeth are now just a reminder of how far we’ve come. This explains why some people are born without them. Evolution is playing its part.
Myth 4: Extracting Wisdom Teeth Is Dangerous
All surgeries have risks, including extracting wisdom teeth. But this procedure is quite safe. Feel free to consult with us if you have any concerns with this procedure. We’ll be delighted to put your mind at ease!
Myth 5: Don’t Remove Pain-Free Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes an impacted wisdom tooth can be painless and symptomless. But, if left untreated it can lead to various oral health issues. Such issues include infection, gum disease, periodontal problems (effects on the supporting structure of teeth), cyst formation, etc. Seeking dental care for an impacted tooth is very important.
Now that we’ve debunked the third molar myths, we hope we’ve left you feeling wiser (pun very much intended).
