Wondering when your wisdom teeth come in? For teens and young adults, this is a common question. Wisdom teeth grow in on your top and bottom set of teeth on both sides of your mouth. They typically come in around the ages of 17-21. They can lead to some particularly serious dental problems over time. The long-term effects can include cysts, gum disease, and a higher risk for tooth decay.
This third set of molars can cause the overcrowding of teeth. They can also grow in at an angle causing serious discomfort. As a result, about 5 million Americans get their wisdom teeth removed each year. It is recommended to get this removal done before the teeth have fully erupted. If your still waiting and wondering if your wisdom teeth are coming in, here are some signs to look for.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming In?
- Aches and Pains – When wisdom teeth start coming in, people often feel an unexplained dull ache near the back of the mouth and into the jaw.
- Gum Irritation – You may notice your gums slightly swelling, red, and/or feeling irritated behind the second set of molars.
- Pain Around the Mouth – When wisdom teeth start to come in, they can put pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can cause pain in areas around the jaw, ears, and even eyes.
- Tiny White Specks – It’s normal to notice tiny white specks behind your second set of molars. The specks that appear are the tops of the new teeth coming through the gumline.
- Redness – Typically, the gums, that are right on top of where the wisdom teeth are coming in, turn dark pink or red. This happens because the new tooth is trying to push through.
What to Do Next
If your new teeth have come in upright and in a position that doesn’t cause you any pain or discomfort, you do not need to get them extracted. But if you are experiencing any issues, you should consider your options. Wisdom teeth are easier to remove before the age of 20 due to the underdeveloped roots. That being said it’s best not to wait too long before thinking about a removal.
Our Dentist, Dr. Gregory Balog, has over 33 years of experience. Contact us about a consultation for your dental care, today.