Wisdom teeth are the last to appear and raise many questions. Not everyone gets them at the same time, and some people have an easy time while others ache for months.
- Wisdom teeth usually come in from about 17 to 25 years old and can take months to years.
- A red, swollen gum, a dull ache at the jaw angle and difficulty opening wide are common signs while they come in.
- Growing pain, cheek swelling, pus, fever or a crooked tooth needs to be seen.
- Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out; the dentist will take an X-ray and advise.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, at the very back of each side of the jaw. Because they come last, they often lack space and tend to grow crooked or only partly break through.
At what age do wisdom teeth usually come in?
Wisdom teeth usually begin to appear at about 17 to 25 years old, earlier or later in some people. The process can take months to years, and the four teeth do not all come in at once. Some people do not get all four, or have teeth that stay buried in the jawbone and never show.
Signs that a wisdom tooth is coming in
- The gum at the very back is red, swollen, achy or tender when chewing.
- A heavy or tight feeling at the angle of the jaw, and sometimes mild difficulty opening wide.
- Bad breath if the gum covers the tooth and traps food.
- You may see a raised piece of gum or the tip of a tooth coming through.
When is it normal and when should you be seen?
Mild, passing discomfort is usually nothing to worry about. You should see a dentist if:
- The pain grows, the cheek swells or there is pus. See what to do about gum covering a wisdom tooth.
- You have trouble opening your mouth, swallowing, or you have a fever.
- The wisdom tooth grows crooked and presses on the next tooth. See crooked wisdom teeth and when to remove them.
- The neighbouring tooth gets decay or pain from food trapped behind it.
Does every wisdom tooth have to come out?
No. A wisdom tooth that grows straight, has enough room and can be kept clean can stay. The dentist usually takes an X-ray to see the direction, position and effect on the neighbouring tooth before advising. Read more in do wisdom teeth need to be removed.
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Frequently asked questions
At what age do wisdom teeth usually come in?
Usually from about 17 to 25, earlier or later in some people. The process can take months to years.
Do wisdom teeth hurt when they come in?
Many people feel only passing discomfort, but some have aching and a lot of gum swelling. If pain grows, the cheek swells or opening the mouth is difficult, see a dentist.
Does every wisdom tooth have to be removed?
No. A wisdom tooth that grows straight, has enough room and can be kept clean can stay. The dentist will take an X-ray and advise for each case.