Yes, wisdom teeth are influenced by genetics. The number, presence, position, and even impaction of wisdom teeth can be inherited from your parents. Some people are born with all four wisdom teeth, some with fewer, and others with none at all—a variation largely tied to genetic ancestry and evolution.
For example:
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People of Asian descent are more likely to have fewer or no wisdom teeth due to a genetic mutation that suppresses their development.
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The MYH16 and PAX9 genes have been linked to jaw size and tooth development, which can affect whether wisdom teeth form or become impacted.
Would you like to explore how evolutionary changes have affected wisdom teeth in modern humans?
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