When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In? Signs, Ages, and What to Expect

Wisdom teeth are your last set of adult teeth to grow in. Dentists also call them third molars. They are found at the very back of your mouth, behind your second molars.

Most people have four wisdom teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom. But not everyone does! Some people never grow any wisdom teeth at all, and that’s completely normal.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Come In?

Wisdom teeth are late bloomers compared to your other teeth. They usually erupt (push through the gums) between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, they come in earlier, around age 16. For others, they might not show up until their mid-20s—or not at all.

Fun fact: wisdom teeth start forming under your gums around ages 7–10, but it takes many years before they’re ready to appear.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

A long time ago, our ancestors needed strong molars to chew tough foods like raw plants, nuts, and meat. Their jaws were also bigger, leaving plenty of space for these extra teeth.

Today, our jaws are smaller and our diets are softer. Because of this, wisdom teeth often don’t fit well in modern mouths. Many dentists even consider them “extra” teeth that we don’t really need.

Signs That Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In

If your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt, you may notice:

• Sore or swollen gums at the very back of your mouth
• Jaw pain or pressure that comes and goes
• Red or tender gums where the tooth is pushing through
• Bad breath or odd taste if food gets stuck around a partially erupted tooth
• Small white specks behind your molars—these are the tops of the teeth breaking through

Some people feel almost no symptoms, while others deal with a lot of discomfort.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Sometimes wisdom teeth come in smoothly, but often they create issues like:

• Crowding: They push against your other teeth, making them shift.
• Impaction: The teeth get stuck under the gums or bone.
• Infection: Food and bacteria can get trapped around them.
• Cysts or decay: Hard-to-clean wisdom teeth are more likely to develop cavities or gum disease.

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?

Not always! If your wisdom teeth grow in straight, don’t cause pain, and are easy to clean, you might never need them removed.

However, dentists often recommend removal if wisdom teeth:

• Are impacted (stuck under gums or bone)
• Cause pain or repeated infections
• Damage nearby teeth
• Create crowding or bite problems

Removal is usually easier in your late teens or early twenties, before the roots are fully formed.

Caring for Wisdom Teeth

If you still have your wisdom teeth, keep them clean by:

• Brushing carefully at the back of your mouth
• Flossing daily around those hard-to-reach areas
• Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and X-rays

Your dentist can watch for any changes and help decide if removal is the best choice.

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Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 17 and 25, but everyone’s timeline is different. Some people have all four, some only a few, and some none at all. While these teeth once served an important purpose, today they often cause more problems than benefits.

If you feel jaw pain, gum swelling, or see your wisdom teeth starting to break through, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist. Early care helps prevent bigger problems later and keeps your smile healthy.

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FAQs About Wisdom Teeth

1. Does everyone get wisdom teeth?

No. About 35% of people are born without wisdom teeth, and that’s perfectly normal.

2. What age do wisdom teeth show up on X-rays?

Dentists can usually see wisdom teeth forming on X-rays as early as ages 10–12, even though they don’t erupt until much later.

3. How long does wisdom tooth pain last?

For some, discomfort only lasts a few days or weeks. For others, it may come and go for months until the teeth fully emerge or are removed.

4. Which wisdom teeth usually erupt first?

The upper molars often appear before the lower ones, and in many cases, men’s wisdom teeth erupt slightly earlier than women’s.

5. Do wisdom teeth grow back after removal?

No. Once a wisdom tooth is removed, it will not come back.

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