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| - Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that wisdom teeth removal can harm digestive health and affect jaw alignment, among various other problems. After fact checking, we found that this claim is False.
The Claim
A viral Instagram post argues against the routine removal of wisdom teeth, claiming that pain from erupting teeth is intentional and helps rewire the brain. It describes the adrenaline released during this pain as a “hidden gift from God” and suggests that wisdom teeth are linked to vital organs, including the pineal gland and heart. The post asserts that their removal disrupts essential nerve pathways and diminishes a person’s potential, impacting digestion, jaw alignment, and emotional well-being. It advocates for dental arch widening instead of extraction and promotes holistic practices over traditional dental methods.
Fact Check
Do wisdom teeth play a crucial role in digestion?
No, that’s not the case. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, were important for our ancestors because they needed them to chew tough foods. Nowadays, our diets are softer, and many people have smaller jaws, which makes it hard for wisdom teeth to fit. Because of this, wisdom teeth are considered vestigial organs, meaning they no longer serve a vital purpose.
When wisdom teeth grow in the wrong way, they can lead to pain, infections, or crowding in the mouth. Therefore, removing third molars becomes necessary. However, removing them doesn’t really affect your ability to chew or digest food. Other molars can easily handle the job of grinding food.
What are the complications associated with wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can cause a number of issues, such as:
- Pain and discomfort: Wisdom teeth can cause general pain due to pressure on gums and nearby teeth.
- Difficulty cleaning: Positioned at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are hard to reach, making them prone to cavities.
- Gum disease: Impaction and inflammation can lead to gum infection and contribute to gum disease.
- Root damage: Impacted wisdom teeth may weaken or harm the roots of adjacent second molars.
- Tooth damage: Excessive pressure from wisdom teeth can affect the stability and function of surrounding teeth.
- Cysts and tumours: Rarely, impacted wisdom teeth can cause fluid-filled sacs or benign tumours, which can grow and damage nearby structures.
- Jaw issues: Impacted wisdom teeth can shift the jaw, straining the temporomandibular joint and leading to disorders.
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing problems, dentists may recommend removal to avoid future complications. Fully developed wisdom teeth can be used to replace missing or damaged molars. This process helps to restore both the look and functionality of first or second molars that cannot be repaired through other methods.
Understanding the implications of common dental procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal, is crucial, especially when considering alternative health approaches like using natural ingredients for grooming and overall well-being.
We spoke with Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, about the issues related to third molars. She states, Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various oral health issues. They often lead to pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat or speak comfortably. Their position can also make it hard to clean your teeth properly, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities. In some instances, they may press against nearby teeth, causing misalignment and bite problems. Regular dental check-ups are vital for monitoring wisdom teeth development, ensuring early intervention and preventing complications.”
Interestingly, many people turn to a popular home remedy—mustard oil, salt, and turmeric powder for toothache. However, it’s important to note that this combination does not effectively relieve tooth pain.
Can removing wisdom teeth affect jaw alignment and overall health?
No, not significantly. Claims that removing wisdom teeth harms jaw alignment or gut health are not correct. Wisdom teeth that grow improperly can cause pain, misalignment, and other dental issues. Removing these teeth usually helps instead of creating new problems. There is no evidence that losing wisdom teeth affects chewing ability or gut health. In fact, impacted wisdom teeth can make chewing difficult and increase the risk of infections, which can harm gut health.
While there is a very small risk (less than 1%) that removing wisdom teeth could weaken the jaw or increase the likelihood of fractures, this is extremely rare.
Keeping wisdom teeth may also lead to gut problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A 2021 study showed that people with IBD had more remaining wisdom teeth and higher levels of harmful bacteria in their mouths than healthy individuals. Because wisdom teeth can cause gum problems, they may worsen gut inflammation. The growth of wisdom teeth often occurs around the age when IBD starts, suggesting a possible link between retained third molars and gut health issues. Therefore, removing wisdom teeth is often necessary for overall health.
Some people suggest drinking pineapple juice before wisdom tooth removal, claiming it can reduce pain. While this may work for some, it still isn’t a proven cure for toothache.
Does dental arch widening provide a better alternative to extraction?
Maybe, but it depends. Dental arch widening can help in some cases of mild crowding, especially in children or teens when the jaw is still developing. However, for many, wisdom teeth grow at awkward angles or are impacted, causing pain and infections (pericoronitis). In these cases, extraction is often the best option. Delaying the removal of wisdom teeth can result in more severe complications.
Does removing wisdom teeth harm the central nervous system and brain?
No, the claim that wisdom teeth extraction affects the central nervous system or brain is incorrect. Extraction may cause temporary discomfort, but serious complications are rare. Skilled oral surgeons take precautions to avoid nerve damage during the procedure. There is no evidence to support claims that it disrupts nerve functions or harms the brain.
Can wisdom teeth straighten out over time if they grow sideways?
No, this is incorrect. Wisdom teeth that grow sideways or become impacted do not straighten themselves. They can lead to pain, infections, and damage to nearby teeth. Studies show that impacted wisdom teeth often cause dental issues, and dentists typically recommend removal to prevent these problems.
Research indicates that impacted wisdom teeth rarely realign on their own. For example, a rare case study from 2018 followed a 22-year-old woman whose impacted tooth shifted closer to the roots of an adjacent tooth over eight years. An older study from 2006 found that 44% of upper impacted wisdom teeth and 26% of lower ones changed position. However, this does not mean they straightened out. In a study from 2020, the angulation worsened over time. Overall, although some changes in angling may happen, wisdom teeth do not realign on their own, which is why dentists often recommend removal of wisdom teeth.
Dr Sanjeev Bhankhur, BDS, MPH, AIIMS, New Delhi, says, “Many people believe that wisdom teeth can naturally correct their angle over time, but that’s a misconception. In reality, these teeth often become impacted due to insufficient space in the jaw, which can cause significant pain and dental problems. It’s essential to consult a dentist for proper evaluation and to address any issues early on.”
Is pain from wisdom teeth meant to rewire the brain and open new pathways?
No, this is misleading. Pain from wisdom teeth usually indicates dental issues like infections or pressure on adjacent teeth. It is the body’s way of signalling a problem, but it does not “rewire the brain” in a positive way. Pain is a response to tissue damage, and ignoring it can lead to serious complications. Dental pain should be addressed promptly.
Are wisdom teeth connected to the pineal gland, central nervous system, heart, and intestines?
No, there is no scientific evidence supporting this. Wisdom teeth are located in the mouth and have no direct connection to organs such as the pineal gland, heart, or intestines. Although the trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the teeth, there is no special link between wisdom teeth and these organs. The pineal gland regulates sleep, and no evidence connects it to wisdom teeth.
A 2020 study suggests that the removal of the pineal gland and lower melatonin levels may increase oral cancer risk in experimental models. However, there is no evidence linking the pineal gland to wisdom teeth. Claims suggesting otherwise are not backed by credible research.
Does removing wisdom teeth cut off important nerve pathways from the brain?
No, the claim that wisdom teeth removal cuts off an “important nerve pathway” is false. Wisdom teeth are connected to branches of the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation. Removing a tooth ends that specific connection, but it does not impact overall nerve function. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can press on nerves, causing pain. Extracting these teeth can relieve the pressure and discomfort.
Are wisdom teeth named so to hinder people’s potential?
No, this is a misconception. Wisdom teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they usually emerge between ages 17 and 25, a period associated with maturity and “wisdom.” There is no hidden agenda behind their removal. Dentists recommend extraction to prevent issues like impaction, infections, and misalignment, not to limit anyone’s potential. Medical community and scientific evidence supports extraction of third molar when there’s a risk of pain, infection, or damage to other teeth.
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