Wisdom Teeth ~ Are they Wise?

Brooks got his 4 wisdom teeth removed today.  He kinda liked the "laughing gas"!  The pain kicked in that afternoon though. 

 

So why are they called wisdom teeth anyway?

 

Lately, science has added some credence to the idea that the third molar does indeed erupt when a person is “wiser”. Recent research has shown the brain continues to grow and develop right on through adolescence: in fact, most researchers believe the brain does not reach full maturity until the age of 25. Perhaps, then, our ancestors weren't so far off the mark — that the eruption of “wisdom teeth” is a sign that the carefree days of childhood have given way to the responsibilities of adulthood.

 

And Why do we have them?

 

There are two main theories as to why wisdom teeth exist at all, since in most cases in the modern world they cause problems and have to be removed or else mess up the jaw line. One theory of evolution and wisdom teeth is that in ancient times tooth loss was much more common, because of rot or trama, and so most people by the time they were in their early twenties had already lost a tooth or two. The wisdom teeth, then, would help fill the empty space that the lost tooth left, making for a more complete bite. Another theory holds that in the past the human jaw was significantly larger, so that there was room for the wisdom teeth to grow in. As our diet shifted, our jaws shrank, but wisdom teeth continued to form.