When do wisdom teeth come in? Understanding your third molars
Understand when wisdom teeth come in, signs they are emerging, and tips for proper care to maintain oral health.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often generate a lot of questions and concerns. If you're wondering when these “wise” late bloomers typically make their appearance and what to expect, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore the purpose of wisdom teeth, their typical timeline for erupting, and what signs to look for. Plus, we'll offer practical advice on managing any discomfort and deciding whether or not to remove them.
The purpose of wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are vestiges from our evolutionary past. Our ancestors had larger jaws and needed these extra molars to help chew tough, raw foods like roots, nuts and uncooked meats. However, with the advent of cooking and more easily chewable foods, the need for these extra teeth has diminished.
Today, many people find that their mouths are too small to comfortably accommodate these additional molars. This reduction in jaw size is a result of evolution and dietary changes over millennia. Consequently, wisdom teeth often cause crowding, pain or other dental issues because there is a lack of space for them to grow correctly.
Location of your wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth typically emerge at the very back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Most people have four wisdom teeth—one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth usually come in pairs, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Understanding where your wisdom teeth are located can help you recognize when they begin to erupt. If you're experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth, it might be due to these third molars making their debut.
When do wisdom teeth come in?
The age at which wisdom teeth emerge can vary, but they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. This period is often referred to as "late adolescence" or "early adulthood." However, it's not uncommon for some people to get their wisdom teeth earlier or later than this average age range.
Factors such as genetics and individual dental development can influence the timing of wisdom teeth eruption. Some people may even experience delayed eruption into their late twenties or early thirties.
Signs your wisdom teeth are coming in
Recognizing the signs of emerging wisdom teeth can help you take timely action to manage any discomfort. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Irritated gums
You might notice swelling, redness or tenderness in the gums towards the back of your mouth.
White spots on gums
These are the tips of the wisdom teeth breaking through the gum line.
Aches and pains
Wisdom teeth pain can be localized around the emerging teeth or radiate to other areas of the mouth.
Jaw pain
Emerging wisdom teeth can cause discomfort in the jaw, leading to a dull ache or more pronounced pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team for an evaluation.
Pain in other areas of the mouth
It's important to note that pain from emerging wisdom teeth can radiate beyond the immediate area. You might feel discomfort in neighboring teeth or even along your jawline.
For instance, you could experience:
Ear pain
Headaches
Throat discomfort
Understanding these potential pain points can help you identify whether wisdom teeth are the culprit behind your discomfort.
Caring for your wisdom teeth
Proper care for your wisdom teeth can help minimize discomfort and prevent complications. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Use mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your gums healthy and fend off bacteria.
Pain relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the swollen area can also provide relief.
Following these steps can help keep your mouth healthy and manage any discomfort associated with emerging wisdom teeth.
Will you need to remove your wisdom teeth?
Whether or not you need to remove your wisdom teeth depends on several factors. Here are some common reasons why extraction might be necessary:
Crowding
Another issue arises when wisdom teeth do manage to break through the gums but push against adjacent teeth. This can lead to misalignment and crowding, disrupting the natural alignment of your teeth and potentially necessitating orthodontic treatments, like Motto® aligners at Aspen Dental, to correct the resulting issues.
Recurrent infections
Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted are especially prone to infections. Their location at the back of the mouth makes them difficult to reach and clean effectively. Food and bacteria can accumulate around and under the gums of partially erupted wisdom teeth. This can lead to pain and infection.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your dental health, including taking X-rays to understand the positioning and health of your wisdom teeth. Based on the assessment, they will recommend whether extraction is the best course of action for you, discuss the cost, and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
When your wisdom teeth will come in
Typically, wisdom teeth begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the timeline can vary from person to person. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring their development. During these visits, your dentist can use X-rays to track the progress of your wisdom teeth and determine the best time for any necessary interventions.
For example, you might have your first X-ray that shows wisdom teeth development at around 16 years old. By the age of 18, your dentist might observe that the teeth are starting to emerge. If they're not causing problems, they might simply monitor their progress with annual X-rays. However, if they start to cause crowding, pain or other issues, your dentist might recommend removal, typically around the ages of 18 to 25.
Remember, even if your wisdom teeth aren't causing immediate problems, it's still important to keep an eye on their development to avoid future complications.
Other questions and facts about wisdom teeth
What are the signs of wisdom teeth coming in?
Signs include pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth.
Do all people get wisdom teeth?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and this is perfectly normal.
When should I see a dentist about my wisdom teeth?
You should see a dentist if you experience pain, swelling, of wisdom teeth coming in. Regular dental check-ups are also important for monitoring their development.
Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth even if they're not causing problems?
Not always. Your dentist will provide you with recommendations.
What if I choose not to have my wisdom teeth removed?
If you decide not to remove your wisdom teeth, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups to monitor their condition.
Wise up with Aspen Dental
Ready to learn more or schedule a consultation? Visit Aspen Dental's website and book an appointment with our experienced dental professionals today. Don't wait—your oral health is too important to ignore.