Real wisdom on wisdom teeth
If it ain't broke, don't break it!
That's my common-sense wisdom on wisdom teeth -- so I just don't get why so many people are in such a rush to have them yanked out, supposedly for preventive reasons.
Sure, you've heard these teeth almost always become problematic. But you've heard wrong because roughly 70 percent of all wisdom teeth can develop normally and do NOT need to be removed, according to California dentist Jay Friedman.
Dr. Friedman knows what he's talking about. His work led the American Public Health Association to oppose the preventive removal of wisdom teeth a few years back.
But do you think that message has filtered down to your local tooth-yankin' oral surgeon?
OF COURSE NOT!
Oral surgeons still tell everyone who walks in that wisdom teeth MUST be removed "just in case" -- but think about that for a minute.
These are the folks who make big money off this procedure. And for some, it's their bread and butter.
Asking their opinion on this is like asking the barber's opinion on whether or not you need a haircut -- but at least the haircut will only set you back $15 and the only risk is a 'do that's a don't.
Wisdom teeth removal can cost hundreds -- even thousands -- even with insurance, and the procedure comes with a long list of risks: nerve damage, infection, lingering pain, and (in rare cases) even death, just to name a few.
So here's my wisdom on wisdom teeth: If you still have yours, don't waste a moment worrying about them. Just take good care of all your teeth and gums the right way -- with baking soda and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (and no fluoride).
You can deal with any problems IF they arise.
Now, I realize that you may have already been snookered into having your wisdom teeth removed. But if you've got kids or grandkids in your life, make sure they know the truth... especially if you're the one footing the bill.