Do you really need your wisdom teeth? Wising up - the surprising truth behind this ancient relic

By Dr Tom Shumack, BSci (Syd. Uni), BDent (Hons) (Syd. Uni)Grad Dip Clin Dent (Oral Implants) (Syd.Uni) MRAACDS (PDS)

Did you know that we don’t actually need wisdom teeth? In fact, they’re just leftover relics from our ancient ancestors. Long before dentists roamed the earth, these third molars served a purpose for Neanderthals and early humans, but in today’s world, they’re more likely to cause problems than provide any real benefit. Let me explain why.

Neanderthals - our closest extinct relatives - who lived between 400,000 and 40,000 years ago were physically strong, with larger bodies built for survival in cold climates. Neanderthals were hunter-gatherers, relying on raw meat, tough plants and roots for sustenance. Their diet required heavy chewing, which meant that their jaws were much larger than ours are today. 

These larger jaws housed bigger teeth, which were essential for grinding and breaking down their hard diet. Over millions of years, as humans evolved, our diet changed dramatically. We shifted from chewing tough, coarse foods to eating softer, processed diets, and as a result, our jaws became smaller. This evolutionary shift had an unexpected consequence: today, many of us struggle with something our ancestors didn’t - wisdom teeth. 

Are wisdom teeth just a pain in the jaw? 

As a dentist, I see the impact of this evolutionary course every day. Wisdom teeth cause dental issues as they often become impacted, where they run out of room to move because our jaws simply aren’t big enough to accommodate them. I often think of wisdom teeth as a final puzzle piece that our bodies attempt to add to a puzzle that's already finished - there’s just no space left for it to fit, and forcing it in creates problems. 

While routine extraction of wisdom teeth used to be standard practice, recent research suggests removal might not always be necessary. In fact, removing them without cause can lead to unnecessary pain, nerve damage and other complications.

So, while our Neanderthal ancestors had the jaw size to handle wisdom teeth, today’s smaller jaws require a smarter approach. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled, and the decision should be based on your unique situation. If your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, don’t just jump to conclusions - extraction isn’t always the answer. Let’s sit down, assess the problem and explore your options. When it comes to your wisdom teeth, we’re here to help you make the wisest call for your oral health.

Still wondering about your wisdom teeth?

We’re always happy to help. Book a consultation with our team today and take the guesswork out of your dental health decisions.

Warm regards,
Dr Tom Shumack
Shumack Dental & Implants, Wagga Wagga