Wisdom Teeth Age: When They Come In, Grow, Cause Pain & Need Removal

You’re probably holding a hot or a cold compress to stop the pain in your face while reading this blog… and we have the answer to what is happening! 

You have successfully grown a wisdom tooth or two or three or even four!

​What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located at the very back of each side of the upper and lower jaws. When they lack enough space, they can become impacted, leading to problems like pain, infection, and damage to other teeth.

They are so-called "wisdom" teeth because they generally appear when a person is older and wiser. 

In some cases, it may be necessary to have them removed if they do not erupt correctly or if they become impacted.

At What Age Does Wisdom Teeth Grow?

Wisdom teeth typically erupt between 17 and 25 years of age, but this timeline can vary widely based on genetics, jaw size, growth patterns, and overall oral development. Some people experience eruption in their early teens, while others may not see any activity until their 30s or even 40s. And in many cases, wisdom teeth never erupt at all.

Let’s take a closer look at how wisdom teeth behave across different age groups and what you can expect at each stage of eruption.

1. Ages 13–16: Early Eruption

Wisdom teeth can erupt as early as 13 to 16, although this is uncommon. Early eruption usually happens due to genetics or faster jaw development. At this age, individuals may notice mild pressure or gum tenderness behind the molars, but many cases remain painless and are often identified during routine dental check-ups.

2. Ages 17–19: Beginning of Standard Eruption

The late teenage years mark the typical beginning of wisdom tooth eruption. This is when many people first experience discomfort at the back of the jaw, mild swelling, or food getting trapped behind the second molars. Dentists often monitor eruption closely during this period to assess space and alignment.

3. Ages 18–24: Most Common Eruption Period

The majority of wisdom teeth erupt between ages 18 and 24. This is considered the most active eruption window, with teeth emerging partially or fully. Gum inflammation, occasional infections, and intermittent pain are common. If removal is needed, this is usually the ideal age range because roots are not fully developed and recovery is quicker.

4. Ages 25–30: Delayed Eruption

Many adults experience delayed eruption in their late twenties. Common ages include 26, 27, 28, and 29. At this stage, symptoms may feel stronger because the jawbone becomes denser with age. Teeth may erupt slowly, remain partially impacted, or shift position enough to cause noticeable discomfort or crowding.

5. Ages 31–35: Late Eruption

Wisdom teeth can still erupt in the early to mid-thirties, although this is less common. Late eruption often occurs when teeth remain impacted for years or the jawbone gradually creates enough space. Extraction at this age is still safe but may be slightly more complex due to fully formed roots and stronger surrounding bone.

6. Ages 40–50+: Rare Late Eruption

Eruption after 40 is rare but medically possible. Some individuals see their wisdom teeth come in at 40, 45, 50, or even later. These late eruptions are typically associated with slow tooth movement or long-standing impaction. Because bone is thicker at this age, symptoms can be more intense and extraction may require advanced surgical planning.

7. No Eruption at All

Many people never develop wisdom teeth due to genetics or missing tooth buds. In such cases, the teeth may simply not exist, which is completely normal. A dental X-ray is the only way to confirm whether wisdom teeth are present, developing, or absent entirely.

What Triggers Wisdom Teeth to Grow?

Wisdom teeth do not erupt at random; their growth is guided by a mix of biological, genetic, and structural factors that determine when and how they appear.

1. Age and Jawbone Maturity

Wisdom teeth usually erupt once the jawbone has developed enough to support them, typically between 17 and 25 years. As the jaws mature, they create the necessary space and stability for third molars to begin moving upward.

2. Hormonal Changes During Puberty

Hormonal shifts during the teenage years increase blood flow and cellular activity in the jawbone. These changes stimulate tooth development and can trigger the initial movement of wisdom teeth toward the gum line.

3. Genetics and Family History

Genetics play a strong role in determining eruption timing. People whose parents had early, late, or no wisdom teeth often experience similar patterns due to inherited traits.

4. Jaw Size and Available Space

The amount of space in the jaw significantly affects eruption. A smaller or crowded jaw may delay or prevent eruption entirely, leading to partial eruption or impaction because the teeth cannot emerge properly.

5. Tooth Position and Angulation

The angle and position of the wisdom teeth influence how quickly they erupt. Teeth that are tilted, horizontal, or blocked by other molars may remain impacted for years or may never erupt without intervention.

6. Overall Dental and Orthodontic History

Previous orthodontic treatment, existing crowding, or structural irregularities in the mouth can alter the eruption path. Limited space or blocked movement can delay eruption or prevent it altogether.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Coming In

When wisdom teeth begin to erupt, they can cause a range of symptoms depending on their position, available space in the jaw, and whether they are erupting normally or becoming impacted. While not everyone experiences discomfort, many people notice clear signs that their third molars are emerging.

1. Pain or Pressure Behind the Molars

A dull, aching sensation at the back of the mouth is one of the earliest signs. This discomfort may come and go as the tooth shifts or presses against surrounding structures.

2. Gum Swelling or Redness

The gums surrounding the erupting tooth may appear inflamed, tender, or swollen. This happens because the tooth is breaking through the gum tissue or is partially trapped beneath it.

3. Jaw Stiffness or Tightness

Some people experience tension or stiffness in the jaw, especially when opening the mouth wide or chewing. This is often due to pressure on the jawbone and surrounding tissues.

4. Ear, Temple, or Head Pain

Pain can radiate to nearby areas due to shared nerve pathways. Discomfort in the ear, temples, or the side of the head is common and can sometimes mimic sinus or ear issues.

5. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create small gum pockets where food and bacteria can accumulate. This buildup may lead to bad breath, an unpleasant taste, or early signs of infection.

6. Difficulty Opening the Mouth (Trismus)

Limited mouth opening can occur when the surrounding muscles become inflamed or if the tooth is impacted. This can make eating, speaking, or oral hygiene uncomfortable.

7. Gum Infection Around the Tooth (Pericoronitis)

If the tooth is only partially erupted, the flap of gum tissue above it can trap debris and bacteria. This may cause pain, swelling, pus discharge, or difficulty swallowing.

Age-Related Complications of Wisdom Teeth

The complications associated with wisdom teeth can change significantly with age due to differences in bone density, root development, and gum structure.

1. In younger individuals, the jawbone is softer and more flexible, allowing wisdom teeth to erupt with relatively less discomfort and fewer structural issues.

2. As age increases, the tooth roots become longer and more curved, making impaction more likely and eruption more painful.

3. As the bone becomes denser over time, wisdom teeth may struggle to break through, increasing the chances of swelling, gum inflammation, and pressure-related pain.

4. Older adults are more likely to experience infections, cyst formation, and gum problems when wisdom teeth attempt to erupt, especially if they have been impacted for many years.

5. Healing also becomes slower with age, so complications that arise later in life tend to carry a higher risk and may require more involved treatment.

Do You Need to Remove Wisdom Tooth?

Not everyone needs to remove their wisdom teeth, but many people do because these third molars often lack the proper space to erupt correctly. Whether removal is necessary depends entirely on how the tooth grows, its position in the jaw, and whether it is causing or likely to cause problems. A dentist evaluates each case individually through clinical examination and X-rays.

1. When Removal Is Recommended

Extraction is generally advised when wisdom teeth are impacted, erupting at an angle, or causing pain, swelling, or repeated infections. Removal is also recommended if the tooth is damaging nearby teeth, creating gum pockets, or contributing to decay because its position makes proper cleaning difficult. In some cases, even symptom-free wisdom teeth may need removal if X-rays show potential for future complications.

2. When Removal May Not Be Necessary

If a wisdom tooth is fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean, it may not need to be removed. Many people keep their wisdom teeth lifelong when they do not cause crowding, gum problems, or bite issues. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor these teeth, as conditions can change over time.

3. Why Dentists Recommend Early Evaluation

Early assessment helps determine whether wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems later. Even if the tooth is not currently painful, issues such as cysts, decay, and root damage can develop silently. Timely evaluation allows dentists to make proactive decisions that protect long-term oral health.

4. The Importance of Individualized Decision-Making

Because every person’s jaw structure and tooth development are different, there is no universal rule about removing wisdom teeth. A decision should be based on clinical symptoms, X-ray findings, oral hygiene status, and the potential risks of leaving the tooth in place.

Best Age to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Dentists generally consider the late teens to the early twenties the best time to remove wisdom teeth. During this phase, the roots are not fully formed and the surrounding bone is still pliable, making extraction safer and recovery faster. As individuals move into their late twenties and beyond, the roots become longer and more curved, and the bone becomes denser. This increases the complexity of removal and may extend healing time. However, removal is still safe and effective after 30 or 40, provided it is performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. When symptoms such as pain, swelling, or repeated infections appear, removal may be recommended regardless of age, but early evaluation always helps avoid complications later in life.

Age-Related Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth

If wisdom teeth are not removed, the risks associated with them increase over time due to ongoing structural changes in the jaw and surrounding tissues.

1. Younger individuals may experience fewer immediate problems, as early-stage impaction or partial eruption can remain stable for a period.

2. As the years pass, partially erupted wisdom teeth are more likely to trap food and bacteria, increasing the chances of gum inflammation and decay in nearby molars.

3. With advancing age, untreated impacted wisdom teeth have a higher chance of developing cysts, chronic infection, and deeper gum pockets.

4. Surgical removal becomes more complex over time because the roots fully form and the bone hardens, often leading to longer recovery.

5. Delaying treatment increases the likelihood that wisdom teeth will cause long-term damage to adjacent teeth, surrounding bone, or the overall bite.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when it comes down to deciding whether pulling out your wisdom tooth is a good idea or not depends largely on each individual's circumstances and needs; there is no one-size-fits-all answer here! 

You must discuss all possible scenarios with your dentist so you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs after all this will have lasting implications on both your oral health now and into the future!

FAQs

1. What age do wisdom teeth usually come in?

They typically erupt between 17 and 25, which is the most common eruption window.

2. Can wisdom teeth erupt at 30?

Yes, some people experience delayed eruption in their early thirties due to jaw structure, genetics, or impacted positioning.

3. Can wisdom teeth erupt at 40 or later?

Although uncommon, wisdom teeth can erupt at 40, 45, or even 50. Late eruption often comes with stronger symptoms and higher impaction risk.

4. What is the oldest age you can get wisdom teeth?

There is no fixed limit. Rare cases show eruption even after 50 or 60, but this is not typical.

5. Is it normal to not have wisdom teeth?

Yes, many people never develop wisdom teeth due to genetics and evolutionary changes in jaw size.

6. How do I know if my wisdom teeth are coming in?

Common signs include pain behind the molars, gum swelling, jaw stiffness, ear or head pain, and food trapping in the back of the mouth.

7. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. Removal is necessary only if the teeth are impacted, painful, infected, or causing damage to nearby teeth or gums.

8. What is the best age to remove wisdom teeth?

The ideal age for removal is between 17 and 25, when roots are not fully formed and healing is faster.

9. Is it safe to remove wisdom teeth after 30 or 40?

Yes, removal is still safe, but the procedure may be more complex due to thicker bone and fully developed roots.

10. Can wisdom teeth grow without causing pain?

Yes. If there is enough space in the jaw and the tooth is properly aligned, it may erupt without discomfort.