if evolution has made our jaws smaller than why do we still get wisdom teeth?

Question

ok... so i know evoultion has made our jaws smaller... so why do we still grow wisdom teeth? they're nothing but trouble.

Answer 1

Some people don't!! Think we are slowly evolving to not have them. Most people still get them though. Even if you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. Just usually not visible above the gums. When people don't have room for them they will either come in 'crooked'/impacted or only show above the gums partially. I am starting to see people now with no 'wisdom' teeth at all. Not even on xrays that show the entire jaw. If your jaw has room they will usually not bother you and come in.

Answer 2

Some people don't grow wisdom teeth and hopefully they will disappear completely.

They exist still in the general population for a few reasons. The first being the gene which causes them to form did not disappear, turn off, or mutate in everyone, though the jaws did get smaller.

The existance of the wisdom teeth do not typically cause an individual to die befor they can reproduce and ensure their offspring can reproduce so the trait gets passed on.

Answer 3

some are born without now, but the reason they are trouble is because our jaws are smaller, making them have problems, not fit right, etc. Eventually nobody will be born with them anymore.

Answer 4

awesome question!! How did you find out or where did you hear that evolution has made our jaws smaller???

Answer 5

AMANDA,
IN DENTAL SCHOOL I NEVER HEARD THAT EVOLUTION CAUSES OUR JAWS TO BECOME SMALLER, BUT I DID KNOW THAT OUR DIET CHANGED DRAMATICALLY IN THAT TIME.
PEOPLE NEEDED WISDOM TEETH TO CHEW A MUCH COARSER DIETS OF ROOTS, BERRIES, ANIMAL BONES, ETC.

Answer 6

We're still evolving.