You finally found a page dedicated to explaining our body. Why wisdom teeth cause so many problems.

Wisdom teeth cause so many issues comes down to evolution and space. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Thousands of years ago, human jaws were larger and diets were tougher, so these extra molars helped with grinding food. Modern humans, however, have smaller jaws — and often not enough room to accommodate them.

Because of this lack of space, wisdom teeth frequently grow in at awkward angles or become impacted beneath the gums. Some push sideways into neighboring teeth, while others only partially erupt, creating openings where bacteria can easily collect. This can lead to pain, swelling, infection, gum disease, and even damage to surrounding teeth.

Explaining the discomfort further shows why removal is so common. Impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean, making cavities and inflammation more likely. In some cases, they can also put pressure on nerves or cause cysts to form in the jaw. Dentists often recommend removal not because the teeth are “bad,” but because the risks of keeping them outweigh the benefits.