When Do Wisdom Teeth Appear?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the human mouth. While not everyone will get them, most people will have at least one appear at some point in their late teens or early adult years.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. They earned their nickname because they typically come in during a more “mature” age, when you’re considered to have more wisdom than you did as a child.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Appear?

For most people, wisdom teeth start to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the exact timing can vary from person to person, and in some cases:

They may appear as early as age 15 or 16.
They may not appear until your late 20s.
They may never develop at all—some people are naturally missing one or more wisdom teeth.

How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?

Some people barely notice when their wisdom teeth erupt, while others experience discomfort or noticeable changes in their mouth. Common signs include:

Tenderness or swelling in the gums at the back of the mouth.
Jaw pain or stiffness.
Red or swollen gums around the area.
Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Shifting of nearby teeth.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam to see if your wisdom teeth are erupting properly.

Why Can Wisdom Teeth Be a Problem?

Wisdom teeth often cause complications because by the time they come in, your jaw may not have enough room to accommodate them. This can lead to:

Impaction – Teeth get stuck under the gum or grow at an angle.
Crowding – Nearby teeth are pushed out of position.
Decay and Gum Disease – Hard-to-reach wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, leading to cavities or infections.
Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs can form around impacted teeth, damaging nearby bone or teeth.

What Happens If Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t fully emerge through the gums. This is a common reason for dental extractions, as impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infections.

Your dentist may recommend removing one or more wisdom teeth if:

They are growing in at the wrong angle.
They are partially erupted, leaving gum tissue exposed.
They are trapped entirely under the gum and bone.
They’re causing crowding or shifting in other teeth.

Why Dentists Monitor Wisdom Teeth in Your Teens

During regular checkups in your teens, your dentist will likely take panoramic X-rays to check the position and development of your wisdom teeth.

Early detection helps:

Prevent painful impactions.
Reduce the risk of damage to nearby teeth.
Plan extractions at an earlier age, when recovery is typically faster and easier.

How to Care for Wisdom Teeth

Whether your wisdom teeth are fully erupted or still developing, you should:

Brush and floss carefully at the back of your mouth.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups.
Report any pain, swelling, or changes in your bite.