Five Compelling Facts About Wisdom Teeth

Five Compelling Facts About Wisdom Teeth

As the only teeth in your mouth to become known by a clever nickname, wisdom teeth are truly unique. From their location and late eruption, to their unpredictability and the variety of issues they can cause, wisdom teeth garner more attention than all the others combined. These five facts will give you a new perspective on the infamous wisdom teeth, and what you can expect if you still have them.

  1. Wisdom teeth cause a variety of problems

The most well-known fact about the wisdom teeth is that their removal is usually recommended by dentists, but the reasons often go unknown. In most peoples’ mouths, wisdom teeth are not given the space they need to grow and function as normal teeth. This insufficient space and unpredictable growing pattern leads to a variety of problems caused by wisdom teeth. If not removed early, here are some of the problems that create a need to remove the wisdom teeth:

  • Pain
  • Cysts: Fluid-filled Sacs
  • Infected Soft Tissue Behind the Teeth
  • Trauma to Nearby Teeth
  • Tooth Decay and Cavities
  • Gum Disease

If you’re one of the few people whose wisdom teeth had ample room to grow and a functional, symmetrical bite, then you may get to keep yours. For most of the population, removal of the wisdom teeth is recommended, simply because of the trouble they’re likely to cause.

  1. Wisdom teeth can erupt horizontally

Another reason why the wisdom teeth have earned a remarkably bad reputation among dentists is because of their chaotic growing habits. Not only do wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, but it’s even possible for them to erupt into the mouth sideways. If that sounds horrific, it’s but one of the various problems wisdom teeth can cause, simply from the unpredictable way they erupt into the mouth.

Impacted Teeth: A Painful Problem

In addition to growing in sideways, wisdom teeth can also fail to emerge altogether. In these cases, the wisdom teeth remain hidden beneath the gums. Wisdom teeth in this situation are known as impacted, and impacted wisdom teeth are responsible for a series of problems all their own. The Mayo Clinic explains how impacted wisdom teeth can cause an infection or cyst that can spread the damage to surrounding teeth. With unpredictable growing habits and a slew of potential problems, it’s no wonder why dentists recommend the removal of wisdom teeth at the earliest possible opportunity.

  1. 35% of people never get wisdom teeth

Another interesting fact regarding wisdom teeth is that they may not even come in at all. About 35% of the population will not have wisdom teeth grow into their mouths. Researchers are divided on why it is that some people are privy to wisdom teeth, and others never see them come in. These two leading theories offer explanations on why some people get wisdom teeth, and others don’t.

Theory 1: Evolution

The wisdom teeth are no longer required for humans, and have therefore ceased growing in many of them. Much like the appendix which served a function for our ancestors but is widely-considered useless in present times, there is no longer an evolutionary need to grow wisdom teeth. While we used to use them for chewing rough foods, our current diets no longer require that degree of power. Due to this change in dietary needs, many experts attribute evolution as the reason why 35% of people can no longer grow wisdom teeth.

Theory 2: Differences in Culture

A second theory held by researchers that attempts to explain why 35% of people no longer grow wisdom teeth involves differences in culture. These experts claim that the reason why some don’t grow wisdom teeth anymore pertains to the jaw use of different people. Entire cultures who do not grow wisdom teeth, such as those in East Asia, provide some truth to the idea that culture might impact the emergence of wisdom teeth.

  1. Wisdom teeth contain stem cells

One recently discovered trait of wisdom teeth can be of use to people years after having them removed. In 2008, Japanese researchers found that it’s possible to harvest pluripotent stem cells from wisdom teeth. The effects of this are potentially life-saving, since those stem cells can be used decades in the future for multiple regenerative purposes. Some of the common ways that stem cells are used today include:

  • Regrowing cells and tissues
  • Curing blindness
  • Testing drugs and treatments
  • Replacement limbs
  • Regrowing bodily organs
  • Treating diseases like diabetes
  • Treating Severe injuries like spinal cord injuries

If you see the value in preserving your stem cells, then keeping your wisdom teeth is among the easiest and least expensive ways to conserve them. Preserving stem cells can be a priceless decision if you end up needing them years down the line. If you’re interested in keeping your wisdom teeth so you can use their stem cells in the future if need be, contact the experts at Dentistry of Nashville for more info.

  1. Wisdom teeth are the most frequently removed

Of the 32 teeth in a human’s mouth, wisdom teeth are the most often removed. This is mostly in expectation of the problems they may cause, but is also attributed to removals required after damage is done. Part of the credit can be given to good dental practices, which mandate that dentists pay extra attention to the wisdom teeth and remove them before they pose a significant threat to the rest of the teeth.

The Magdalenian Girl

Whatever the reason, the removal of wisdom teeth transcends location, culture and even time. The Magdalenian Girl is a skeleton known to be at least 13,000 years of age. In the early 1900’s, the skeleton was unearthed in good form, allowing for experts to conduct research and x-rays. One thing exposed by those x-rays is that the Magdalenian Girl had impacted wisdom teeth that had not erupted from her gums yet. This finding suggests that the human diet may have already changed from rough roots and plants, to a softer diet similar to what we have now in 2017. Ultimately, the discovery of the Magdalenian Girl provided priceless research in the fields of anthropology, history, and dentistry.

Call the Dentistry of Nashville with your Wisdom Teeth Questions

Need to set up an appointment to have your wisdom teeth extracted? Let our dental professionals examine your wisdom teeth, and figure out the optimal solution for your dental care. We will be able to tell you if you’re one of the few who has healthy, functional wisdom teeth, or if you’re among the many which will need them removed. For inquiries on our many dental services, contact Dentistry of Nashville and let Drs. Elam, Vaughn and Fleming handle your dental concerns.

 

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How Do Popular Adult Beverages Impact Your Teeth?

How Do Popular Adult Beverages Impact Your Teeth?

Whether you’re purely a social drinker or like to enjoy your favorite beverage at festive events, it’s important to know how these popular alcoholic drinks can affect you. Everyone knows that adult beverages like wine and beer cause a variety of effects on the body, but their impact on the teeth can be substantial as well.

Regardless of your beverage of choice, these facts that explain how they affect your teeth may alter the way you consume alcoholic beverages. From causing staining and dry mouth to enshrouding your teeth in harmful sugar and acids, alcoholic drinks are an often-overlooked culprit when it comes to tooth damage.

The Top Five Dental Problems Posed By Alcoholic Beverages

With such a wide variety of alcoholic drinks available, it may seem short-sighted to assume all of them are comparably harmful. While some drinks are certainly worse for your teeth than others, all alcoholic beverages have some property that causes harm to the teeth. This doesn’t mean you have to abstain from your favorite drinks, but that a sense of awareness when consuming alcohol will help your teeth last a lot longer. Here are five specific ways that popular alcoholic beverages are known to harm the teeth:

1.      Sugar

While those who stick to beer may have less cause for concern, drinkers of wine, wine coolers and cocktails are introducing startling amounts of sugar into their mouth and teeth. Many alcoholic cocktails use sodas, juices and mixers are that each have high levels of sugar content. As in the case with foods, sugar may be added to certain drinks for enhanced flavor as well.

Whether it comes from food or drinks, sugar wreaks havoc on your teeth and is the main cause of cavities and other dental ailments. If you’re someone who likes to enjoy mixed drinks while out at bars or restaurants, you can minimize sugar intake by choosing mixers that are lower in sugar, such as club soda or lime.

2.      Acids

No matter your preferred adult beverage, acid will inevitably end up on your teeth. Beer is highly acidic, and any sodas or citrus-based juices are loaded with acids that are a significant threat to your dental health.

As one might expect from acid, it destroys the protective enamel of the teeth at a rapid rate. Arguably more destructive than sugar, acid is proven to cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel. To continue drinking your favorite sodas, beers and citrus beverages without excessive harm to your teeth, it is recommended to brush after consuming such drinks.

3.      Staining

Since they feature mixtures of liquids with various types of coloring and ingredients that affect the teeth, it’s no surprise that alcoholic beverages are a major cause of staining. While staining is purely aesthetic in nature, the effects of having stained teeth can’t be overstated. Living with a yellow or brownish tint on your white teeth is a tedious psychological burden for those who experience it. This is especially true when you notice your stained teeth in photos, and no amount of brushing or flossing will return them to their former whiteness.

If you’ve acquired stains from drinking soda, wine and sugary alcoholic drinks, it’s important to know that a white smile is still an obtainable goal. Contact Dentistry of Nashville to find out about your options for getting rid of stains and making your smile white again.

4.      Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a role in eliminating bacteria and plaque from the surface of the teeth. Alcohol causes dehydration in the body, but also dries out the mouth, thereby preventing saliva from protecting the teeth. Alcohol itself is the cause of dry mouth, so the drinks with the greatest alcohol content will dehydrate you the most. This is easy to tell by taking note of the percentage of alcohol, also expressed as a proof rating, on the side of the bottle.

To minimize damage from dry mouth while consuming alcoholic beverages, it’s recommended that you accompany your alcohol consumption with water during the time you’re drinking. This will help you stay hydrated and will keep the threat of dental problems at bay.

5.      Ice Chewing

While beer and wine drinkers will not often have ice served in their beverages, those who order soda or cocktails inevitably will. The majority of doctors agree that chewing on ice can be devastating on the teeth, mainly due to the small microfractures that it creates.

Other doctors have reported that patients have entirely destroyed their crowns or real teeth by chewing on ice. Considering that an icy drink most likely has sugar, acid and other tooth-harming ingredients in it as well, an icy alcoholic beverage could prove to be a full-scale assault on your dental health. Next time you’re served a beverage filled to the brim with ice, think twice before chomping it down and your teeth will thank you.

Tips For Dental Health While Drinking

At celebrations and social events, there may be no suitable substitute for an adult beverage. That said, some choices are infinitely better than others. By making a few adjustments when enjoying alcoholic beverages, you can mitigate most of the oral damage caused by these drinks.

Sugar-free Mixers

When it comes to dental health and alcohol, the simpler the drink, the better. Cocktails that involve a variety of mixed liqueurs and juices are likely to have more ingredients that cause irreparable damage to your teeth. When available, choosing mixers and liquors that are low in sugar can do a lot to prevent harm to your teeth while consuming alcohol.

Dental Awareness When Drinking

By simply being aware of whether your beverage of choice is damaging to your teeth, you set the tone for better decisions in the future. For example, if it’s common for you to meet friends at a bar and enjoy several fruity Mai Tai drinks over the course of an hour, then simply realizing the sugar and acids that you’re consuming might inspire a better decision on your next visit.

If you remain aware of the sugar you’ve consumed throughout the day, especially in times when you’re celebrating with friends, then it will be easier to maintain a lifestyle that is conducive to excellent dental health.

Dental Care After Drinking

Just because many of the most popular adult beverages have a significant negative impact on the teeth does not mean you have to abstain from them altogether. Much like after a dinner served with sugary desert, remembering to properly brush and floss after consuming alcoholic drinks can minimize the staining and decay done to your mouth, gums and teeth. If you can stay focused enough to brush your teeth after consuming sugary alcoholic beverages, much of the harm of adult beverages can be kept at a manageable level.

Drink Wisely

While most situations where alcohol is served are party-oriented and dental health may not be the first thing on your mind, these simple tips can keep your teeth strong while celebrating those special moments. Whether enjoying a few craft beers with friends at your local bar or ordering a Bloody Mary or wine with dinner, understanding the effect of alcohol on your dental health is a bold first step in maintaining a fresh, bright smile.

Contact Dentistry of Nashville About Our Teeth Whitening Services

At Dentistry of Nashville, Dr. Elam, Dr. Vaughn and Dr. Fleming can provide you with the expert dental care and advice you need to keep your smile bright and healthy. If you have stains from the regular consumption of soda, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, call or visit us for an exam. We will assess any dental issues you may have, and devise a plan to restore your smile to its optimal form. Call or email the Dentistry of Nashville today to take the next step towards superior dental care.

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