Think of it like this. In the old days, it was very unlikely that you would make it to middle age (about 17 years) with all your back teeth still in your mouth. Our ancestors probably needed replacements.
I think the big reason for the lack of room in our jaws is that over time we as humans have evolved with more damaging effects of sugar, junk and all other crap we put into our bodies. The bones actually liked the paleo diet.
DNA Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Hmm... I have all my wisdom teeth, and have > straight teeth. I always wondered what the big > deal with having wisdom teeth removed was all > about.
I had to have mine removed when I was 17. They were growing in sideways. I was told my jaw was too small. I've been told that a few times over the years by dentists,which I find interesting, because I can be quite a talker.
I had to have mine removed because they only partially erupted, leaving a permanent flap of gum tissue covering them. This was a perfect way to get an infection in your jaw. Not good!