Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop in the back of your mouth. They typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties and are a sign of adulthood. While some people don’t have any wisdom teeth, others may have up to four. Knowing when you can expect to get your wisdom teeth can help prepare you for any discomfort or dental care that may be necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss what age do you get your wisdom teeth and what to expect when they come in.The average age range when wisdom teeth start to come in is between 17 and 25.
How Many Wisdom Teeth Usually Grow In?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. However, it is possible for some individuals to have fewer or more than four wisdom teeth. It is estimated that up to 35% of people may not develop any wisdom teeth at all.
This variation in wisdom tooth development is due to changes in the size and shape of our jaws over time. As our diet has shifted from a more primitive diet to one that includes softer and processed foods, our jaws have become smaller and can’t accommodate the extra set of molars. Other factors such as genetics may also play a role in determining how many wisdom teeth an individual will develop.
In most cases, wisdom teeth begin to emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood between the ages of 17 and 25. During this time, it is important to visit the dentist regularly so that they can monitor your wisdom tooth development and provide any necessary treatment if needed. If your dentist determines that you will need your wisdom teeth removed, they will recommend an oral surgeon who can perform this procedure safely and effectively.
Overall, most people grow four wisdom teeth but there are exceptions where fewer or more may emerge depending on individual circumstances. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so they can monitor your oral health and provide any necessary treatment should it be needed.
Common Signs Of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
One of the most common signs of wisdom teeth coming in is discomfort in the back of your mouth. You may feel a pressure or pain near the back molars, where your wisdom teeth are located. This is caused by the teeth pushing up against your jawbone or other teeth. You may also experience some swelling around these areas. Additionally, you may feel pain when you open your mouth wide or chew food.
Another common sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in is bad breath. This is because food particles can become trapped between your wisdom teeth and other molars, which can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath. You may also find it difficult to keep the area clean due to its location in the back of your mouth.
You may also notice changes to your bite when your wisdom teeth start growing in. This can include difficulty biting certain foods and a feeling that your upper and lower molars do not line up correctly. In some cases, you may even experience a popping sensation when you open and close your jaw.
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in so that you can seek treatment if necessary. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of dental problems such as infection, cysts, or damage to other teeth. It’s best to consult with a dentist if you have any concerns about potential changes due to wisdom tooth eruption.
Reasons to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth are the backmost molars that typically erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood. Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, and it is often recommended that they be removed. Here are some reasons to have wisdom teeth removed:
Crowding
Wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth in the mouth. When this happens, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the misalignment. Removing wisdom teeth can help avoid the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Infection
Wisdom teeth can become impacted, which means they don’t fully erupt through the gums. When this happens, food and bacteria can get trapped in the gums around them and lead to infection. This infection can cause pain, swelling, and damage to the surrounding tissue and bone. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can help prevent infection.
Damage to Other Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t fully erupt through the gums, they may push against other teeth in the mouth. This pressure can lead to damage or shifting of adjacent teeth which may require costly repair work. Removing wisdom teeth before they have a chance to cause damage can help save money in the long run.
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around impacted wisdom teeth when they don’t fully erupt through the gums. They can grow large enough to damage surrounding tissue and bone, requiring surgery for removal and repair of any damaged tissues or bones. Early removal of wisdom teeth is often recommended to prevent cysts from forming in the first place.
Overall, there are many potential reasons to have wisdom teeth removed before they have a chance to cause complications or require costly repairs down the road. Any individual considering removal should discuss their options with their dentist or oral surgeon for further information on how best to proceed with treatment.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth
Having wisdom teeth can be beneficial in many ways. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually erupt in the late teens or early twenties. They are also known as third molars, and often come in at an angle, pushing other teeth out of alignment. Although they may cause some discomfort, there are several benefits to keeping your wisdom teeth.
One major benefit of having wisdom teeth is that they provide extra protection for your other teeth. Wisdom teeth act as a shield against harmful bacteria entering the mouth and causing decay in other areas, such as the back molars. This helps ensure that food particles don’t become trapped between other sets of teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Another benefit is that wisdom teeth provide extra chewing surface for your mouth. This increases your ability to chew food properly and digest it more efficiently. By having more surface area to chew on, it helps break down food quicker, which can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Lastly, retaining your wisdom teeth can help keep your jawbone strong and healthy. As you age, the jawbone begins to shrink due to lack of use; however, having wisdom teeth can prevent this from happening by providing extra stimulation for the jawbone through chewing and biting activities. This helps keep the jawbone strong and healthy for longer periods of time.
Overall, having wisdom teeth is beneficial in many ways. They provide added protection for other sets of molars, increase chewing surface area, and help keep the jawbone healthy and strong for longer periods of time. While it may be uncomfortable when they come in angled or crookedly, it’s important to consider all the benefits they offer before deciding whether or not to remove them.
What To Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
It is normal to feel a certain degree of discomfort and pain after wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to best manage the pain and swelling. Pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be prescribed for short-term pain relief. It is also important to keep the area clean by gently brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. You may also be given an antibiotic rinse or ointment to help reduce the risk of infection.
You should avoid vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours after surgery and plan on taking it easy for several days following your procedure. It is important not to disturb the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was removed, as this can lead to dry socket, a painful condition that can delay healing. Avoid drinking through straws and smoking during this time, as suction and heat can cause complications.
In some cases, it may take up to 4 weeks for complete healing after wisdom teeth removal. During this time, you may experience slight bleeding, swelling, and minor discomfort in the jaw area. If any of these symptoms become severe or persist beyond 4 weeks, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away as this could indicate an infection or delayed healing process.
How To Care For Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom teeth surgery is an important part of dental care, and it’s important to take the proper steps to care for your mouth after the procedure. The following are a few tips on how best to care for your mouth after wisdom teeth surgery:
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s especially so when you’ve had wisdom teeth surgery. It’s essential to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated and help your body heal from the procedure. If you’re having trouble drinking water due to pain, consider drinking a smoothie or juice instead.
Eat Soft Foods
Eating soft foods can help reduce the amount of pressure on your jaw and mouth while it heals from surgery. Avoid hard or crunchy foods as they can cause pain and damage to your stitches. Instead, opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, applesauce and oatmeal.
Gently Clean Your Mouth
It’s important not to disrupt any stitches that may be in your mouth after surgery, so make sure to be careful when brushing or rinsing your mouth. Gently brush around the area where the wisdom teeth were removed, being careful not to disturb any stitches or loose pieces of tissue. Use a saltwater rinse afterwards to help keep your mouth clean and promote healing.
Rest and Relax
After wisdom teeth surgery it’s important to give yourself time to rest and relax in order for your body to heal properly. Avoid strenuous activities like sports or exercising until you get clearance from your dentist. Take time off work if needed in order for your body and mind have enough rest after the procedure.
Take Medication as Prescribed
Your dentist will likely prescribe medication such as antibiotics or painkillers after wisdom teeth removal surgery in order to help with any discomfort or infection that may occur afterwards. It’s important that you take these medications as prescribed by your dentist in order for them to be effective and help speed up recovery time.
Can You Prevent Wisdom Teeth From Growing?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent wisdom teeth from growing in. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but they can appear later in life as well. As these teeth are impacted or difficult to reach, they have to be extracted through a surgical process.
While you cannot prevent wisdom teeth from growing in, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications associated with their development. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring the development of wisdom teeth and identifying any potential problems early on. If your dentist notices that your wisdom teeth are impacted or at risk of causing other issues, they may recommend having them removed before problems arise.
Eating a healthy diet and practicing good oral hygiene can also help minimize the risk of complications associated with wisdom teeth growth. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your gums healthy and strong. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help keep your mouth free from bacteria that could cause inflammation or infection around the area where the wisdom tooth is growing in.
It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups so that any issues related to your wisdom teeth can be monitored closely. If an issue does arise, such as an impacted tooth or gum infection, then it can be addressed quickly by your dentist before it becomes more serious.
Overall, while it is not possible to prevent wisdom teeth from growing in, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications associated with their development. Eating a healthy diet and practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and strong throughout all stages of life. Additionally, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups will help ensure that any issues related to your wisdom teeth are identified early on so they can be treated promptly if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause a variety of different dental issues. It is important to monitor your wisdom teeth and see your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that they are erupting correctly. If problems are present, it may be necessary to have them extracted. Knowing the signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can help you identify them early, and get the necessary treatment before the problems become worse.
Ultimately, it is important for everyone to visit their dentist regularly for check-ups so they can monitor their wisdom teeth and take proper care of them if needed. With proper dental care, you can make sure that your wisdom teeth develop normally and remain healthy.