Why Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth Today While the Ancients Didn’t?
Have you ever wondered why our ancestors, without dentists, seemed to live “perfectly fine” even with wisdom teeth—while today extractions are so common? Were ancient bodies different, or are we just more sensitive?
The reality is more complex. The ancients didn’t avoid pain; they simply had no options. Modern dentistry exists not because we are weaker, but because we live longer, eat differently, and expect a higher quality of life. The mismatch between human evolution and modern civilization makes wisdom teeth a unique reminder of our past.
Ancient Life and the “Pain of Wisdom” #
Many ancient people never experienced wisdom teeth at all. Life expectancy in ancient China often ranged between 30 and 40 years, with few reaching old age. Since wisdom teeth usually erupt between 17 and 26, many people died before they ever felt the pain. This creates a survivorship bias—those who died young never suffered from wisdom teeth, making it seem like the ancients had fewer problems.
For those who did live long enough, dental pain was a serious, often life-threatening issue. Without anesthesia, antibiotics, or modern surgery, an inflamed wisdom tooth could cause chronic infections or even death. Archaeological remains from the Han dynasty show severe bone loss, abscesses, and displaced teeth—silent evidence of suffering.
Ancient texts also recorded this struggle. The Compendium of Materia Medica listed herbs like wild ginger and angelica for tooth pain, while Ming dynasty stories describe toothaches as punishments from the King of Hell. These accounts reflect how frightening and helpless dental problems felt in a world without solutions.
Why Modern Dentistry Recommends Extraction #
So why do dentists often recommend removal today? The answer lies in evolution and lifestyle changes.
- Dietary shifts: Ancient humans chewed coarse, unprocessed food. Their wide jaws left plenty of space for wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
- Smaller jaws: Modern humans eat softer, refined foods. Over thousands of years, our jaws have become about 10% smaller. The teeth stayed the same size, leading to overcrowding.
- Impaction and risk: More than 90% of people today have impacted wisdom teeth. They grow sideways or remain trapped in the bone, causing infections, cavities, gum disease, or even cysts.
Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt today, problems often appear later in life when the immune system weakens. Extraction becomes riskier with age, making early removal a safer and smarter option.
Choosing Wisely: Do All Wisdom Teeth Need Removal? #
Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. If a tooth grows straight, aligns properly, and is easy to clean, dentists may recommend monitoring rather than extraction. But for most people, modern jaws simply don’t leave enough room.
Choosing removal isn’t weakness—it’s foresight. Our ancestors endured pain in silence because they had no choice. Today, we can identify risks early and act preventively, ensuring comfort and long-term health.
From Ancient Remedies to Modern Dentistry #
Humanity’s battle with dental disease is as old as civilization. From Shennong tasting herbs to ease pain, to Hua Tuo’s legendary surgeries, to today’s 10-minute painless extractions, every advance represents centuries of trial, error, and endurance.
When you sit in a modern dental chair, it’s worth remembering those who suffered before us. Instead of envying their “resilience,” we should appreciate our access to solutions they never had.
Conclusion: A Rational Choice for Modern Life #
The next time you hesitate about removing a wisdom tooth, remember this: extraction isn’t a betrayal of nature—it’s an act of rational self-preservation. Our ancestors endured suffering because they had no choice. We, on the other hand, are fortunate to live in an age where medicine allows us to prevent pain before it controls our lives.
Life is already challenging enough. Why let a single tooth threaten your comfort and happiness?