Human mouths have not always been the same size. Early in human history, life expectancy strongly coincided with dental health. The longer you could continue to eat without difficulty, the longer you could survive. Teeth often wore out quickly, so gaining a third set of brand new, healthy molars at adulthood could literally be a lifesaver. As years progressed, and scientific understanding increased, we became better able to care for our teeth, care for our elderly, and properly prepare foods that were easier to eat. Gradually, having extra teeth mattered less to our survival.  In these modern times, the average human jaw is much smaller than it used to be. The vast majority of people need to have their wisdom teeth removed because the extra teeth just don’t fit anymore. Overcrowded teeth can cause a whole host of dental issues, including: Bite misalignment. Crooked or snaggled teeth. Improper grinding or wear on the teeth. Speech impediments. Impacted teeth. Dental spaces that are highly difficult to clean. Higher risk of gum disease. Stress on the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Teeth that once were necessary are now often harmful to our overall dental health. Having your wisdom teeth removed can allow the rest of your teeth to take up the space they need.