For a long time, people needed their wisdom teeth for normal chewing. They erupt between the ages of 12 to 25, and during this period some doctors recommend removing them. But is it really necessary?

Here’s what you need to know in order to make the right decision.

When you don't need to remove your wisdom tooth?

• If they’re healthy (there’s no tooth decay, the gums around them aren’t inflamed).
• Fully erupted.
• Properly located and not interfering with the normal functioning of the neighboring teeth.
• They’re easy to clean during daily oral hygiene.

When you need to remove your wisdom tooth? 

• Teeth are completely hidden under the gum but cannot erupt. In this case, they can contribute to the formation of a cyst, which can destroy the roots of neighboring teeth.
• The teeth didn’t fully erupt. Difficulties with their hygiene and, as a result, a large accumulation of bacteria can lead to various oral cavity diseases.
• If there’s not enough space for a tooth (adjacent teeth are situated too tightly), the erupting wisdom tooth risks damaging the neighboring teeth.
• If you feel pain in the area of ​​a wisdom tooth.
• Soft tissues next to the wisdom tooth are often infected.
• Tumors are formed.
• There’s gum inflammation.
• There is tooth decay on the adjacent teeth, and they begin to break.

This article was originally published at brightside.me