Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars to emerge in the mouth. These teeth are located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws, positioned behind the second molars. They are a natural part of human dentition, though their late arrival can sometimes lead to various dental considerations.
When Wisdom Teeth Typically Appear
Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge during a person’s late teenage years or early twenties, between the ages of 17 and 25. This emergence period aligns with when the jawbones have developed enough to accommodate these additional molars. The developmental process for wisdom teeth starts much earlier, with calcification often beginning between 7 and 10 years of age, with the crown and root forming over several years before eruption. Some individuals may experience their wisdom teeth erupting later, sometimes into their 30s or beyond. It is also common for some people to develop fewer than four wisdom teeth, or none at all.
Recognizing Signs of Emergence
As wisdom teeth emerge, individuals may notice physical signs. Tenderness, discomfort, or pressure in the back of the mouth, behind existing molars, are common indicators. The gums in the affected area may appear swollen or red, and small white specks, which are the crowns of new teeth, may be observed breaking through the gum line. Symptoms also include mild jaw pain or tenderness, and occasionally, an unpleasant taste or bad breath. These signs indicate the teeth pushing through the gum tissue.
Common Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Despite being natural, wisdom teeth often cause complications due to insufficient jaw space. A common issue is impaction, where the tooth cannot fully erupt through the gums or jawbone. Impaction can manifest in different ways, such as angling forward (mesial), lying sideways (horizontal), or remaining trapped beneath the gums (vertical). Distal impaction, less common, involves the tooth angling towards the back of the mouth.
Another problem is pericoronitis, an inflammation or infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This condition arises when a flap of gum tissue covers part of the tooth, creating a space where food particles and bacteria can become trapped, leading to infection. Wisdom teeth can also cause overcrowding or misalignment of other teeth by pushing against them. They can contribute to tooth decay, either in the wisdom tooth itself due to difficulty cleaning, or in adjacent teeth from pressure and trapped debris. In rare instances, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, which may lead to bone destruction.
When to Seek Dental Advice
Consult a dentist if persistent pain or significant discomfort occurs in the wisdom tooth area. Signs of infection warrant prompt dental attention, including:
Severe swelling
Presence of pus
Persistent bad taste or smell in the mouth
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Difficulty opening the mouth fully, jaw stiffness, or pain during chewing also indicate a need for professional evaluation. Pain radiating to the jaw, ear, or head, including frequent headaches, suggests a problem requiring a dentist’s assessment. Even without symptoms, regular dental check-ups are important. Dentists can monitor wisdom teeth development and position through examinations and X-rays, allowing for early intervention.