Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of teeth to emerge, leading to common questions about the timeline of dental development. While parents often observe new teeth appearing in the back of a six-year-old’s mouth, the short answer is no, a child this age cannot get wisdom teeth. The appearance of new molars in early childhood is a normal, though often confusing, step in the transition from baby teeth to a full adult set.
The Teeth Erupting at Age Six
The teeth that typically emerge around a child’s sixth birthday are the first permanent molars, often nicknamed “six-year molars.” These are the initial adult teeth to appear in the back of the mouth, setting the stage for the rest of the permanent teeth to follow. Unlike most other permanent teeth, these molars do not replace a baby tooth but instead erupt into the jaw space newly created behind the last primary molars.
The appearance of these large new teeth can surprise parents because no baby tooth has fallen out to make room for them. These four first permanent molars—two on the top and two on the bottom—are structurally significant, anchoring the developing adult bite. Their position and health are important for maintaining the alignment of all the teeth that will eventually erupt. Although commonly called “six-year molars,” their eruption can happen anywhere between the ages of five and seven.
The Typical Timeline for Third Molars
Wisdom teeth, officially called third molars, follow a much later timeline than the six-year molars. These are the last teeth to form and erupt, appearing most commonly between 17 and 25 years old.
Although the development of the tooth bud begins years earlier, the process of the third molar breaking through the gum line is a slow progression. It is also normal for an adult to have fewer than four wisdom teeth, or sometimes none at all, as they may be congenitally missing.
Differentiating Permanent Molars
Dentists categorize the three sets of permanent molars numerically: the first molars (the six-year molars), the second molars, and the third molars (wisdom teeth). The second molars typically erupt around the age of 12 or 13, settling into the arch between the first molars and the developing wisdom teeth.
The three molar types share the general function of grinding food but have distinct anatomical features. The third molars, when they appear, are often smaller and more variable in shape compared to the first and second molars. Dentists begin tracking the development and position of the third molars using dental X-rays, often starting during the pre-teen years. This tracking determines if the jaw has enough space to accommodate the final set of teeth or if potential impaction is a concern.