At What Age Wisdom Teeth Will Come?​

A third set of molars known as the wisdom teeth is quite an interesting feature of dental growth, which is largely linked with the process of gaining what many cultures term as wisdom, or the stage of shifting from teenage to adulthood. These molars emerge at varying times, but the question remains: at what age does wisdom teeth grow? 

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Their Role?

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are the final teeth to grow within the human mouth. These teeth are situated at the end your jaw and, in early human beings, they were useful in the mastication of abrasive foods. Nonetheless, due to the contemporary diet, their utility has diminished.

While the use of these teeth is not as significant as in the past, they can still be utilized for chewing if the teeth develop correctly and are not diseased. Nevertheless, when they are not positioned appropriately or fail to develop appropriately, they may result in dental problems.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Start Growing?

The wisdom teeth growing age is between 17 and 25. However, this may not always be the case. In some cases, the teeth may erupt in the later years, but for others, the process may start from the childhood years.

Age Group	Wisdom Teeth Growth Phase
10-16	Teeth start forming in the jawbone
17-25	Eruption phase begins
25+	May grow fully or remain impacted

This knowledge can be useful when they occur and enable one to address any problems that may arise.

Factors Affecting Wisdom Teeth Growth

• Genetics: Another influencing factor is genes; if your parents did not get their wisdom teeth until late, you could also face a similar scenario.
• Jaw Size: Those with small jaws typically do not have the necessary space and, as a result, their third molars cannot erupt effectively.
• Dietary Habits: A soft diet that is chewed less puts pressure on the jaw and allows for the growth of wisdom teeth.
• Age of Development: However, in some cases, contributors may experience variations within the given periods as a result of dental maturation and phases of growth.
• Alignment of Existing Teeth: This may be due to lack of space or improper position of the other teeth which may in one way or the other interfere with the direction and possible eruption of wisdom teeth.

First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In

The first signs of wisdom teeth coming in can vary but usually include:

• Dull pain or stinging sensations on the back part of the mouth.
• Any noticeable inflammation of the gums or discoloration around the molars.
• Soreness and gentleness when chewing or moving the jaw.

Some individuals might also experience mild joint stiffness or have challenges brushing the posterior regions of their teeth. By being observant to these signs, you will be able to tackle the problems in the system early enough.

Stages of Wisdom Teeth Growth

Wisdom teeth growth happens in stages:

• Development Stage: This starts during early adolescence, which is when the molars start developing beneath the gum line.
• Eruption Stage: At the age of 17-25, teeth begin the process of eruption through the gums.
• Post-Eruption Stage: Adult teeth can simply erupt into positions or pose various issues like overcrowding or impaction.

Why Do Some People Not Get Wisdom Teeth?

What is even more intriguing is that not all individuals have wisdom teeth. Here are a few reasons:

• Evolutionary Adaptations: This is still evident when comparing the complexity with which the modern diet requires chewing to that of previous generations and early humans, whereby the chewing force is weaker hence leading to the evolution of small jaws and few teeth.
• Genetic Variations: Research has indicated that some individuals do not possess the basic gene sequences for the growth of wisdom teeth.
• Early Dental Extractions: Implementing early extractions of the molars or any other dental surgery can affect the formation of wisdom teeth.

Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth

There are several problems that can result from wisdom teeth, and these are mainly associated with failure of the wisdom teeth to emerge effectively. These include:

• Impacted Teeth: It occurs when the third set of molars develops but does not erupt through the gum line or is impacted within the jawbone.
• Crowding: New teeth grow and apply pressure on other teeth, this leads to misalignment of the teeth.
• Decay: Sometimes, wisdom teeth are embedded in the gum line or partially emerged; these teeth are difficult to floss and brush, which makes them vulnerable to cavities.
• Infection: Teeth that have not come through the gums all the way can also become a harbor for food and bacteria that cause gum disease.

Wisdom Teeth Growth in Adults: Is It Normal?

Even though, they can come out any time between 17 and 25, it is not out of the ordinary that they appear later. People may feel similar pains when they are experiencing theirwisdom teeth coming in, especially if they are adults. 

Such cases include those where growth of the lower jaw occurred at a later time than what is expected or when previous obstructions took place.

How to Care for Wisdom Teeth During Growth

It is also important to take proper care when they are developing so that one does not encounter complications with them. Here are some tips:

• Pay special attention when brushing around the back molars, making sure that no food particles or bacteria remain.
• Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash to minimize infection.
• One should not bite hard food items if the teeth are causing pain.
• Rinse with warm, salty water to reduce gum inflammation.

Proper care allows wisdom teeth to erupt without severe complications and contributes to oral health in general.

When to See a Dentist About Wisdom Teeth

You should consult a dentist if you experience:

• Persistent or severe pain.
• Signs of inflammation that have not subsided even if identified early at home.
• Symptoms of infection include pus, fever, and difficulty in opening the mouth.

Conclusion

It is equally important to know at what age does wisdom teeth grow and identify some of the symptoms of the growth in order to avoid further complications. Although wisdom teeth may have been a part of your development, these teeth do have some drawbacks. 

To avoid these complications, it is important to stay informed and consult a dentist as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions