For many, the removal of wisdom teeth feels like a rite of passage into adulthood. Approximately 85% of people will eventually undergo the procedure, often during their late teens or early twenties. However, not everyone shares this experience—some don’t need their wisdom teeth removed, while others don’t have wisdom teeth at all. Other individuals may even have fewer than the usual four wisdom teeth!
These variations are typically due to genetic factors, developmental differences, or environmental influences. So, if you don’t have wisdom teeth, rest assured that it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Curious about why wisdom teeth exist in the first place or whether their absence could impact your health? Let’s dive deeper into these questions.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Each type of tooth in your mouth serves a specific purpose. Sharper teeth near the front tear food into smaller pieces, while flatter molars in the back grind food down.
Anthropologists theorise that our ancestors’ rough diets—which included raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meat—necessitated a third set of molars to help grind these foods efficiently. Wisdom teeth, therefore, played an essential role in early human survival.
Today, however, these teeth are considered vestigial, as modern diets and cooking methods have rendered them largely unnecessary.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Emerge?
Adults have three sets of molars, with the first two sets typically appearing alongside other adult teeth during childhood. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last to emerge, usually making their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. This late emergence—occurring when individuals are older and thought to be “wiser”—is how they got their name.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Be Removed?
Over time, human jaws have become smaller. One theory suggests that as the human brain grew larger, the jaw had to shrink to accommodate the added cranial space. So while wisdom teeth themselves are normal, the lack of room in smaller jaws can often lead to complications, such as:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These occur when wisdom teeth get stuck beneath the gums and cannot fully emerge. This can cause tooth pain, swelling, and redness in the back of the mouth. The pain often worsens over time as the teeth press on nearby nerves.
- Oral Infections: Emerging wisdom teeth can trap bacteria in the gums, increasing the risk of infection.
- Cavities: Food particles can become trapped around partially emerged wisdom teeth, leading to cavities.
- Shifting Teeth: Inadequate space in the mouth can cause wisdom teeth to push existing teeth out of alignment, potentially leading to crooked or misaligned teeth.
These complications can result in infections, gum disease, and other oral health issues. When problems arise, it’s important to consult a dental professional to determine whether removal is necessary.
Does Not Having Wisdom Teeth Affect Dental Health?
Interestingly, not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Research published in the Dental Research Journal indicates that anywhere from 5% to 37% of the population experience third molar agenesis, meaning their wisdom teeth never form. A comprehensive dissertation from Harvard University reviewed 92 studies on this phenomenon, finding that 22.63% of 63,314 subjects worldwide were missing at least one wisdom tooth. Women are more likely than men to be missing one or more wisdom teeth, and both genders are more likely to lack wisdom teeth in the upper jaw than the lower jaw.
So, do you need to worry if you don’t have wisdom teeth or have fewer than four? No you don’t! The absence of wisdom teeth is usually linked to genetics, environment, diet, or developmental factors and doesn’t negatively affect dental health.
Experiencing Wisdom Tooth Symptoms?
If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain or other complications, TLC Dental Centre’s dentist has more than 15 years of experience in wisdom tooth removal. You can reach us at +65 9113 2847 to schedule an appointment, or consult your preferred dental clinic for advice and care.