Average Age For Wisdom Teeth To Come In
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically appear in a person's mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may get them earlier or later.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back of the mouth, behind the second molars.
Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none at all. In some cases, people may have extra wisdom teeth, called supernumerary teeth.
When do wisdom teeth come in?
Wisdom teeth typically start to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people may get their wisdom teeth earlier or later than this.
It's important to note that not everyone will develop wisdom teeth. Some people may have fewer than four, or none at all.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth were necessary for our early human ancestors who had larger jaws and needed the extra molars to grind up tough, fibrous foods. However, as our diets have evolved, our jaws have become smaller, and we no longer need these extra teeth.
What are the signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in?
Some signs that your wisdom teeth may be coming in include:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation.
What happens if your wisdom teeth don't come in?
If your wisdom teeth don't come in, it's usually not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems such as:
- Pain or discomfort
- Infection
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Cysts or tumors
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends that your wisdom teeth be removed, it's important to follow their advice to prevent these complications.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people may get them earlier or later. Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth, and some people may have fewer than four or none at all. If you experience pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth or other symptoms, it's important to see your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation.