Caring for Your Third Molars: Should You Keep or Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a set of four teeth that typically emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. As humans have evolved over time, our diets have changed and our jaws have become smaller.

As a result, there is often not enough room in the mouth for these extra teeth to emerge properly, which can lead to a variety of dental problems. So are there benefits of keeping wisdom teeth?

22296 impacted wisdom teeth

While wisdom teeth removal has become a common practice in modern dentistry, it's important to weigh the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.

One of the main reasons why people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed is that they can become impacted or grow in at an angle. 

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This can cause pain, infection, and other dental problems. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they don't have enough room to emerge properly and become trapped beneath the gumline. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and pain, and in severe cases, can even damage the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

Another reason for wisdom teeth removal is that they can contribute to overcrowding in the mouth. This can lead to misalignment and other dental issues that can affect the overall health and appearance of the teeth and gums.

When wisdom teeth emerge, they can push against the surrounding teeth and cause them to shift out of place, which can lead to crooked teeth, gaps, and other issues.

In addition, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The position of these teeth in the back of the mouth makes them harder to reach with a toothbrush and floss, which can allow plaque and bacteria to build up over time. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can be difficult to treat.

Benefits of keeping wisdom teeth?

Despite these potential risks, there are several benefits to keeping wisdom teeth if they are healthy and not causing any issues. One of the main benefits is that they can provide additional chewing power, which can be especially beneficial for those who have lost other teeth.

By keeping wisdom teeth, you can help maintain a healthy, balanced diet that includes harder-to-chew foods such as nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables.

In addition, wisdom teeth can provide support to the adjacent teeth by helping to distribute the force of your bite more evenly across your jaw. This can be especially important for those who have lost other teeth, as it can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and causing misalignment.

Another benefit of keeping wisdom teeth is that they can maintain the natural structure and strength of your jaw. Removing wisdom teeth can cause the jawbone to weaken and deteriorate over time, which can lead to a sunken appearance in the face and other oral health problems.

By keeping wisdom teeth, you can maintain the natural structure and strength of your jaw, which can be important for maintaining facial symmetry and overall oral health.

Keeping your wisdom teeth can also potentially prevent future dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, as long as you take good care of them through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings.

If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any issues, then keeping them may be a viable option that can provide several benefits for your oral health and overall wellbeing. benefits of keeping wisdom teeth

happy young smile

It's important to note, however, that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. In fact, some people may have enough room in their mouths for these teeth to emerge without causing any problems.

It's always best to consult with a dentist to determine whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary in your particular case.

In conclusion, wisdom teeth removal is a common practice in modern dentistry, but it's important to weigh the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.

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While there are certainly risks associated with keeping wisdom teeth, there are also several potential benefits that should be considered. Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a dental professional. 

By taking a proactive approach to oral health and seeking regular dental care, you can help prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

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About the Author
Dr. Harpreet Singh Manaktala

Dr. Harpreet Singh Manaktala is a dentist who loves blogging and browse the social media. He started his blog, Dr. HSM, to help educate people about dental health and to dispel some of the myths that are out there. He has quickly gained lot of popularity online, with over 100,000 views on his blog. Dr. Harpreet is passionate about oral health and wants to help as many people as he can achieve optimal dental health.

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