Ever wonder why so many of us need braces or have to get our wisdom teeth pulled?
The shape of your jaw and the alignment of your teeth aren’t just genetic quirks—they’re clues to how humans have evolved. Let’s take a bite into this and explore how the use (or disuse) of certain teeth reveals the story of our species.

I've actually had four teeth pulled. My two baby canines were pulled so that my adult replacement canines could come in straight and two of my baby molars were pulled because my adult replacement ones were coming in crooked. While not totally traumatic, it did make me wonder, did I just have a small mouth because of my genes or was there something more behind the teeth in my mouth?

Our teeth and jaws have changed drastically over time as human diets and lifestyles evolved. Evidently, early humans had large jaws and broad dental palates to chew raw plants and tough meat. As cooking and farming emerged, our diets softened, and so did our faces. For example, Homo erectus, who lived nearly 2 million years ago, had thick, robust jaws and big molars perfect for chewing uncooked roots and meat. Compare that to today’s average teenager, who might struggle to fit their wisdom teeth without surgery.  This article has more information about how our teeth are very closely related to the development of our jaws.  

So how does this show up in real life? Just think about your last dental visit. Ever had a retainer? Or braces? Maybe your wisdom teeth had to come out? These common dental experiences are direct results of evolutionary changes. Our jaws have shrunk, but our teeth haven’t changed size to match, leading to overcrowding.

I personally never thought much about evolution until I got braces myself. My orthodontist casually mentioned that my jaw was “too small for all those teeth,” which got me curious. Turns out, it’s not just me, it’s almost everyone these days. Our jaws don’t get enough workout from soft, processed foods to grow as wide as they used to.

So, the next time you brush your teeth or visit the dentist, think about the ancient story behind your dental structure. Our changing diets have shaped the very structure of our faces. What other parts of our bodies might be evolving thanks to modern habits? Have you ever noticed other ways your daily routine might reflect ancient human adaptations? If you haven't read the book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor, you should check it out.  He highlights chewing as a way to help our jaws and, ultimately, keep our airways open! 

From molars to braces, the evolution of human teeth reveals just how much our lifestyles have transformed our biology. Studying this has made me reflect on how even small things, ike what I eat or how often I chew, are part of a much bigger evolutionary story. Anthropology makes the everyday feel meaningful. What if our bodies are still evolving with every bite we take?

On a side note, a fun fact is that the enamel on teeth is the hardest biological substance known and because it so hard it is well preserved in fossils and can accurately help scientists determine age!