As teens grow into their smiles, there are certain things to keep an eye on. One of those is the development of their third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth. These can become a real problem for their smiles, so it is important to track their process and make a decision on whether your teen needs an extraction of these teeth, and if so, when. You want to make sure that they stick close to their dentist so that they can identify any concerns.
At Sunny Smiles, we understand that their oral health is invaluable, starting from their first tooth through to adulthood. When they need to talk about their wisdom teeth, do it with a local provider who understands their needs. And if they have not been in to see the dentist yet in 2024, then it is time for their next appointment. While they’re there, talk to our team about their third molars, and we can work out a plan for their oral health future. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call our office today!
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth, Anyway?
There was a time, long ago, when the meat we ate was primarily uncooked. Back then, as a species, we needed strong jaws and molars to be able to chew through the material. But over time, we moved to eating cooked meat, and we started to evolve. Part of that process was a change in the jaw, and now, our faces are much slimmer.
Unfortunately, that means that there is less room on our oral ridge today to be able to fit the last molars. For most people, the area is too small for these teeth, and they can also develop improperly. If ignored, wisdom teeth can be seriously harmful to a young person’s smile. So, it is important to keep an eye on their development, and if your provider tells you that it is time for them to go, then be ready for their extraction.
Their Third Molars Can Become A Problem
There are a host of issues that can come with the improper development of wisdom teeth. These new molars can start to push existing teeth in order to make room, and that can cause major changes to their alignment. The force can also be strong enough to crack teeth. When you keep an eye on the development of their third molars, you give your teen the opportunity to make a change before it becomes a problem.
Experience Advanced Imagery At Sunny Smiles
If your child is due for their dental checkup, be sure to talk to their provider about their wisdom teeth. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000!