The spelling of the phrase "wisdom tooth" is straightforward, but the pronunciation may confound some individuals. The word "wisdom" is pronounced /ˈwɪz.dəm/ in IPA notation, with the first syllable rhyming with "is" and the second syllable rhyming with "some." The word "tooth" is pronounced /tuːθ/ in IPA notation, with the first syllable rhyming with "too" and the second syllable sounding like "th." Overall, the phrase is pronounced /ˈwɪz.dəm tuːθ/.
A wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, refers to one of the four permanent teeth present at the back corners of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge or erupt in the late teens or early twenties, hence the name "wisdom tooth" as it is associated with adulthood and maturity. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth.
Due to their late arrival, wisdom teeth often encounter space constraints and fail to grow in perfectly straight. Consequently, they may be impacted, partially erupted, or even never emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth are often positioned at an angle, inclined towards the adjacent molars or jawbone, leading to potential complications such as pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth or bone.
The extraction of wisdom teeth is a common dental surgical procedure, especially when they cause significant discomfort or pose a risk to oral health. Removal is typically recommended when the teeth cause pain, pressure on other teeth, or when they are susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease due to their difficult-to-reach location at the back of the mouth.
While wisdom teeth were previously believed to provide an evolutionary advantage for chewing tough foods, their presence is now considered unnecessary. As a result, removal of wisdom teeth has become a routine dental procedure to maintain optimal oral health and prevent potential complications.
Dens serotinus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "wisdom tooth" originates from the Old English term "wisdōmtōth". The term consists of two parts: "wisdōm", meaning "wisdom", and "tōth", meaning "tooth". The name itself reflects the fact that these teeth usually erupt during a person's late teens or early twenties, a time when they are considered more mature and wiser compared to when their first set of teeth emerges.