Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are often referred to as third molars, and their arrival marks a significant milestone in oral development. It is important to understand when wisdom teeth come in as well as how to care for them and what potential issues they may cause. In this article, we will discuss how old you are when wisdom teeth come in and what you should know about them.The age when wisdom teeth normally come in can vary, but they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25.
How Many Wisdom Teeth Do We Have?
The average person has four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth are located in the back of the mouth and are the last to erupt. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may never have them come in at all. It’s not uncommon for people to have fewer than four wisdom teeth, or none at all.
The presence of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person and they can range in size from very small to quite large. In some cases, they may be impacted and unable to erupt into the mouth properly. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain or swelling around the jaw area and can lead to infection if left untreated.
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to fully erupt, it’s often recommended that they be surgically removed by an oral surgeon. This helps reduce the risk of infection or other complications caused by impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that is performed by dentists and oral surgeons alike.
Wisdom teeth are an important part of our anatomy as they help us chew food efficiently and provide support for our jaw bone structure. While they can cause problems when not enough room is available for them to properly erupt, many people don’t need to get their wisdom teeth removed unless they are causing discomfort or putting them at risk for infection.
It’s important to speak with your dentist about any concerns you may have regarding your wisdom teeth as they will be able to provide you with personalized advice on whether removal is necessary or not.
What Symptoms Can You Expect When Wisdom Teeth Come In?
When wisdom teeth come in, a person may experience a variety of symptoms. These can include pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth, swelling around the affected area, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth. The pain or discomfort may be caused by the pressure of the new teeth pushing against existing molars and other teeth. Swelling may be caused by inflammation due to impacted wisdom teeth that are not properly aligned or have not fully erupted through the gum line. Bad breath can come from food particles that become trapped between the wisdom teeth and other teeth. Difficulty opening one’s mouth can be a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause swelling and inflammation in the jaw joint. In some cases, there may also be bleeding from the gums as new teeth emerge. It is important to contact a dentist if any of these symptoms occur as they can advise on how best to manage them.
Additionally, it is possible for impacted wisdom teeth to cause infection as bacteria can become trapped beneath them and cause abscesses or cysts. These infections can create additional discomfort, including fever or difficulty swallowing. If any of these symptoms occur it is important to seek medical attention immediately as an infection could become serious if left untreated.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Come In Late?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, for some people, wisdom teeth may not come in until much later in life. There are several factors that can lead to wisdom teeth coming in late or not at all.
Genetic factors play a role in the timing of when wisdom teeth come in. Some people may have a genetic predisposition that causes their wisdom teeth to come in later than normal. It is also possible that certain genetic conditions can lead to the lack of wisdom teeth altogether.
If the mouth is overcrowded with existing teeth, it can cause an issue with wisdom teeth erupting properly. When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow normally, it can lead to them coming in late or becoming impacted, which is when they become stuck under the gums or against other teeth.
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or puberty can also affect when and how wisdom teeth come in. If there are changes in hormone levels during these times of growth and development, it can delay or even prevent wisdom teeth from erupting properly.
Finally, poor oral hygiene can be a contributing factor as well. If plaque and tartar build up around the existing molars and on the gums, it can make it difficult for new teeth to break through and erupt properly. When this happens, wisdom teeth may be delayed from coming in or become impacted due to a lack of space around them.
It is important for individuals to have regular dental check-ups so that any issues with their wisdom teeth can be identified early on and treated accordingly. If there are any signs of overcrowding or issues with eruption, a dentist will be able to advise on what action should be taken next.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to arrive in the mouth. They generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although they may come in earlier or later. Preparing for the arrival of wisdom teeth is important for ensuring that they do not cause any complications as they emerge.
Schedule a Checkup
The first step in preparing for wisdom teeth is scheduling a checkup with your dentist or oral surgeon. During the appointment, your dentist will take X-rays to determine how many wisdom teeth you have and their position in your jawbone. This allows them to see if there is enough room for the teeth to erupt properly or if they need to be removed.
Understand Your Treatment Options
Your dentist will discuss your treatment options with you, based on their findings from the X-rays and examination of your mouth. You may need to have one or more wisdom teeth extracted if there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly. In some cases, your dentist may recommend that you have all four wisdom teeth removed, even if there is enough space for them.
Create a Plan for Recovery
If you opt to have one or more wisdom teeth extracted, it’s important to create a plan for recovery ahead of time. This includes stocking up on soft foods and making sure you have enough pain medication on hand. It’s also important to plan ahead for any missed days from work or school due to recovery time after the extraction procedure.
Stay Informed
It’s important to stay informed about any changes that occur with your wisdom teeth as they emerge. If you experience any pain, swelling or other symptoms as your wisdom teeth are coming in, be sure to contact your dentist right away so they can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
Risks Associated with Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can pose a variety of risks to your oral health. These include issues such as the development of cysts or tumors, infection, the potential damage of adjacent teeth, and displacement of other teeth. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to pain and discomfort.
The most common problem associated with impacted wisdom teeth is infection. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may be difficult or impossible to clean properly and bacteria can accumulate in the area around the tooth. This can lead to gum irritation or swelling and can cause an infection that may spread beyond the mouth.
If an impacted wisdom tooth is not removed, it can cause damage to adjacent teeth as it pushes against them. This pressure can cause pain and displacement of other teeth in your mouth. It may also increase your risk for developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Cysts or tumors can also develop around impacted wisdom teeth if they are not removed. A cyst or tumor in the jawbone can affect the surrounding tissue and even cause bone loss over time if left untreated.
In addition, if an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected it may cause pain and discomfort which could interfere with eating, speaking, or other daily activities. If you are experiencing any signs of infection such as swelling, redness, tenderness when eating or drinking hot foods/beverages then you should see a dentist immediately for treatment.
It is important to have regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health so that any potential problems with your wisdom teeth can be identified and treated quickly before further complications arise.
Are There Any Complications from Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed Early?
Removing your wisdom teeth early can be a good decision, depending on the condition of your teeth and jaw. However, as with any dental procedure, there can be some potential risks and complications associated with getting your wisdom teeth removed. Despite careful preparation and planning, patients may experience some pain, swelling, or other issues following the procedure. In addition to these common side effects, there are several more serious complications that may occur if the wisdom teeth removal is not done properly.
The most common complications from wisdom teeth removal include infection of the gums and socket where the tooth was removed, nerve damage in the jaw or mouth area, chronic dry socket (a painful condition caused by inadequate healing of the tooth socket), excessive bleeding or blood clots in the mouth area, sinus problems due to displaced bone fragments entering the sinuses, and jaw fractures caused by incorrect positioning while removing the tooth.
In some cases, an individual may require additional surgery after their initial wisdom teeth removal due to a complication that was not anticipated during the initial surgery. For instance, if a piece of bone is left behind after a tooth extraction it can cause an infection or other problems that require further treatment. In rare cases, a patient may also require antibiotics to reduce their risk of infection.
It is important to work closely with your oral surgeon to identify any potential risks before getting your wisdom teeth removed so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not it is right for you. By taking precautions such as having regular check-ups with your dentist and following proper post-operative care instructions from your surgeon you can minimize any potential risks associated with getting your wisdom teeth removed early.
Can I Prevent My Wisdom Teeth from Coming In?
Wisdom teeth can be a source of discomfort and pain for many people. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent wisdom teeth from coming in, as they are part of the natural aging process. However, there are some steps you can take to help manage the symptoms associated with the growth of wisdom teeth.
The first step is to see your dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can assess your mouth and determine if your wisdom teeth are likely to cause any problems or not. If it is determined that your wisdom teeth could cause problems, your dentist may recommend having them removed before they come in fully.
In addition to seeing a dentist, it is important to practice good oral hygiene when your wisdom teeth begin to come in. Brush and floss regularly and make sure you are using the proper technique when brushing and flossing around the area of the emerging tooth. This will help reduce any swelling or discomfort you may experience during this time.
It is also important to eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, which will help provide essential vitamins and minerals that will promote good oral health during this time. Additionally, avoiding sugary or acidic foods can help reduce inflammation around the area of the emerging tooth, which can make the process more comfortable for you.
Finally, if you experience any pain or discomfort while your wisdom teeth are coming in, it’s important to talk to your dentist about over-the-counter pain medications that may be suitable for you. Your dentist may also be able to prescribe stronger medications if necessary.
Overall, there is no way to prevent wisdom teeth from coming in, but taking these steps can help make sure that they come in as comfortably as possible.
Conclusion
The age at which wisdom teeth come in can vary from person to person, but they typically start appearing between the ages of 17 and 21. While some people may not experience any discomfort or problems with their wisdom teeth, many do. If you are experiencing pain or other issues associated with your wisdom teeth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an assessment and treatment plan. Taking proactive steps now can help to prevent more serious complications down the line.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the age at which wisdom teeth typically start coming in so that you can watch out for any potential problems. By paying attention to your mouth and speaking with your dentist regularly, you can ensure that your oral health remains in good condition.