Wisdom teeth removal is always necessary. Right? Actually, those with a larger jaw may not need to have these third molars removed from their mouth. Learn more about when wisdom teeth don’t need removal and how to care for them.
Our prehistoric ancestors needed wisdom teeth for a coarser diet, but we have smaller mouths and a softer diet today. For this reason, wisdom teeth either become impacted beneath the gum line or only partially erupt. However, some people can fit all of their teeth in the mouth. In their case, wisdom teeth don’t need removal if they are:
- Fully erupted
- Healthy
- Positioned correctly
- Able to be cleaned
However, you should still consult your dentist about whether these teeth need removal. Most of the time wisdom teeth are removed because they can cause tooth decay, gum disease, damage to other teeth, cysts, and even tumors.
So what should you do if you and your dentist decide to leave the erupted wisdom teeth in your mouth? The answer is to take excellent care of them by:
- Brushing And Flossing: The teeth in the back of your mouth are more subject to decay because they collect more food debris and are more difficult to clean. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day (using a fluoride toothpaste) and floss at least once a day.
- Visiting Your Dentist: Six month check-ups with the dentist are recommended for everybody, but especially those who have kept their wisdom teeth. Your dentist will keep a careful eye on these teeth to make sure no problems develop.
You may also want to start using a mouthwash and avoid sugary foods to keep your wisdom teeth healthy.