Posted on 1/1/2025 by The Center for Esthetic Dentistry
Wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the timing can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may experience wisdom teeth eruption as early as their late teens, while others may not have them come in until their 30s or even later.
Several factors can influence the timing of wisdom teeth eruption, including:
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Genetics: Your genes play a role in determining the timing of your wisdom teeth eruption.
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Overall oral health: Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help to create an environment that is conducive to healthy wisdom teeth development and eruption.
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Jaw size: If your jaw is not large enough to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they may become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully erupt.
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Diet: Softer, processed foods may contribute to smaller jaw sizes, which can lead to impacted wisdom teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Eruption
When wisdom teeth erupt, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
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Pain or tenderness in the gums: This is the most common symptom of wisdom teeth eruption. The pain may be sharp or throbbing, and it may radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck.
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Swelling in the gums: The gums around the erupting wisdom teeth may become swollen and red.
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Bleeding gums: You may notice some bleeding from the gums, especially when brushing or flossing.
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Difficulty chewing: It may be difficult or painful to chew on the side of your mouth where the wisdom teeth are erupting.
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Bad breath: The bacteria that cause bad breath can thrive in the crevices around partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Complications of Wisdom Teeth Eruption
In some cases, wisdom teeth eruption can lead to complications, such as:
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Impacted wisdom teeth: As mentioned earlier, impacted wisdom teeth are unable to fully erupt. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.
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Pericoronitis: This is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
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Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors.
When to See a Dentist
It is important to see a dentist for regular checkups, especially during the time when your wisdom teeth are likely to erupt. Your dentist can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and recommend treatment if necessary.
If you experience any of the symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption, or if you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.
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Wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the timing can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may experience wisdom teeth eruption as early as their late teens, while others may not have them come in until their 30s or even later.