When you (or your child) reaches the latter part of adolescence, there is something that you need to pay attention to. We’re talking, of course, about the development of wisdom teeth, which can become a serious problem if ignored. These are the last teeth that humans grow, and when they come in, they can push existing teeth out of alignment. The simple truth is that for many of us, our mouths are just too slim to fit them safely. So, it’s important to keep an eye on them.
At our neighborhood office at Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, our team understands the value of tracking wisdom teeth development. These molars are evolutionary holdovers from a time when we needed more chewing power, and sometimes, they can cause more problems than they are worth. The first step in safely navigating wisdom teeth development is sticking to your schedule of checkups, as digital x-rays provide an excellent way to track them. Don’t put off your dental visits while you’re in your teens and early twenties.
Those final teeth can cause real oral health issues. See where you stand with a visit to Grinnell Street Dental.
Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth, Anyway?
When talking about the third and final set of molars to arrive, people often have questions. One of the biggest relates to their existence entirely. If wisdom teeth pose so many oral health issues, why do we have them?
The answer to that lies in to complex and constantly shifting world of evolution. At one time, humans ate primarily raw meat, and that meant that they needed significantly stronger jaw strength to do it. An extra set of molars really helped out there, but over time, our faces have become slimmer. That simply leaves less space for four more teeth.
Their Third Molars Can Push Existing Teeth Out Of The Way
As teeth develop, they don’t pay attention to where they’re going. That’s one of the reasons why untracked wisdom teeth development can pose so many problems. As they come in, these final molars can push existing teeth forward, and that can lead to misalignment or even cracked teeth. But what can you do?
At this stage in your life, it’s vital to stick to your schedule of checkups. Our team can take detailed imagery of your jaw to see where they are, and if it’s time to talk about extraction, we can point you in the right direction. We understand the importance of tracking their development.
Schedule Your Appointment At Grinnell Street
During adolescence, there’s a real risk waiting around the corner. To find out more about tracking wisdom teeth development, call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY today at (307) 672-7567.
