Evolution! A random gene mutation that occurred nearly 400,000 years ago is responsible for missing wisdom teeth. This mutation suppressed wisdom tooth formation in a certain few individuals – a trait that’s seen in many people today. Researchers found out that genes that control brain development ignited a phase of evolution thousands of years ago. During this stage of evolution, the human brain grew in size, causing a lack of space in the jawline. Genes that control tooth development, however, didn’t evolve to accommodate brain development, which in turn led to impacted third molars and the eruption of the wisdom teeth through the gums. Prior to this phase of evolution, fossils indicate that the first few generations who lived on earth had molars that were much larger in size. Did you know that our ancestor’s jaws were large enough to fit 32 teeth, not just 28?

As we continue to evolve, studies indicate that future generations will have no wisdom teeth at all. Studies have also found that children between the ages of 2-6 that have been administered with a local anesthesia for dental work have an increased chance of not developing wisdom teeth later on. So perhaps in the future, anesthetic injections can prevent the need for wisdom teeth extraction surgeries.