Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars (pronunciation: /ˈwɪzdəm ti:θ/), are the last teeth to develop and appear in the human mouth. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they usually appear during late teens or early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the gaining of wisdom.
Etymology
The term "wisdom tooth" comes from the belief that the third molars appear at an age when a person transitions from youth to adulthood, thus gaining wisdom. The term "third molar" is a simple description of the tooth's location in the mouth.
Anatomy
Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. They are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are typically four wisdom teeth in total, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Function
The primary function of wisdom teeth, like other molars, is to aid in the grinding and chewing of food. However, due to their late eruption and often problematic positioning, they may not always serve a functional purpose and can sometimes cause oral health issues.
Related Terms
- Impacted wisdom teeth: A condition where the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow normally.
- Pericoronitis: Inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth.
- Wisdom tooth extraction: A surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wisdom teeth
- Wikipedia's article - Wisdom teeth
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