Wisdom teeth, formally known as third molars, are the final set of adult teeth to emerge in the mouth, located at the very back of the jaws. They are considered vestigial, remnants from ancestors who needed extra molars for a tougher diet. As human diets and jaw sizes changed, their need diminished.
Typical Age of Appearance
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, during the late teenage years or early twenties. This is why they are commonly called “wisdom teeth,” appearing at a stage of life often associated with gaining wisdom. While this age range is a general guideline, timing can vary significantly. Some individuals may experience eruption earlier or later, or wisdom teeth may not erupt at all. Approximately 8% of the population may have missing or no third molars.
Recognizing Their Arrival
When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, individuals may experience common signs and symptoms. Tenderness or discomfort in the back of the mouth, often with gum swelling, can be an early indication. This may feel like a dull ache or pressure. Redness or inflammation of the gum tissue overlying the erupting tooth may also occur. Sometimes, a small portion of the tooth, appearing as a white speck, might become visible as it breaks through the gum line.
Other signs include mild, intermittent pain that may worsen with chewing. Gums around the emerging tooth may become sensitive or bleed. While these symptoms often indicate normal eruption, they can also signal potential issues requiring further evaluation. It is important to distinguish these typical signs from more severe or concerning symptoms.
Potential Complications and When to Act
Despite their natural emergence, wisdom teeth can lead to various complications, often due to insufficient jaw space. One common issue is impaction, where the tooth cannot fully emerge or comes in at an awkward angle, pressing against adjacent teeth. This can cause persistent pain, pressure, and damage to neighboring second molars. Impaction can also lead to crowding or misalignment of other teeth.
Another frequent complication is pericoronitis, an inflammation and infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This occurs when bacteria and food particles become trapped under a gum flap, leading to severe pain, swelling, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste. More severe cases may involve pus discharge, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
Wisdom teeth are also prone to decay and gum disease due to their difficult-to-clean location at the back of the mouth. Rarely, cysts or tumors can form around an impacted wisdom tooth within the jawbone, potentially damaging bone, teeth, and nerves if untreated.
Consult a dentist as soon as any pain or discomfort related to wisdom teeth is noticed. Professional dental evaluation is recommended for persistent pain, significant gum swelling, bleeding, difficulty opening the mouth, or signs of infection like fever or pus. A dentist can assess the situation, often using X-rays to determine tooth position and identify problems. Addressing these issues early can prevent more severe complications and guide appropriate management, which may include monitoring or extraction.