Teen years come with a long list of milestones: getting braces off, learning to drive, going to prom… and for many, getting their wisdom teeth. As teens grow, so do their teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often start to show up in the late teenage years and can sometimes bring along questions, discomfort, or dental concerns.
At Growing Healthy Smiles in Fleming Island, FL, we talk with a lot of teens and parents who wonder what to expect, when to act, and whether these teeth always need to come out.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, the last set of adult teeth to grow in. They are located at the very back of the mouth. Most people get four (one in each corner), but some have fewer or none at all.
They’re called “wisdom” teeth because they come in when teens are supposedly older and wiser. Back in the day, they helped our ancestors chew through tough foods like raw meat and roots. Today? Not so much. Our diets and jaws have changed, and for many people, there just isn’t enough room for them.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Start Coming In?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. This is often during late adolescence and early adulthood. However, the exact timing can vary from person to person, with some erupting earlier or later than average.
Dentists usually start keeping an eye on wisdom teeth in the early to mid-teens. Even if you can’t see them yet, they’re often visible on dental X-rays by the time a teen is 14 or 15.
By the late teen years (anywhere from 17 to 19), many wisdom teeth begin to erupt and push through the gums. Some teens may not notice any changes, while others start to feel pressure or soreness in the back of their mouth.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Not every teen will feel their wisdom teeth coming in, but here are a few signs to watch for:
- Soreness or swelling in the gums behind the molars
- Jaw stiffness or mild pain
- Trouble chewing in the back of the mouth
- Occasional headaches or earaches
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth (from food getting trapped)
Some teens don’t experience any symptoms at all. However, even if everything seems fine, regular checkups and X-rays are important. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause issues without any obvious symptoms.
Why You Might Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
So why are wisdom teeth removed so often? The short answer: they can cause problems, especially if there’s not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly.
Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth, such as:
- Impaction: The tooth is trapped below the gumline, possibly pushing against nearby teeth.
- Crowding: They can shift other teeth out of alignment (not great news after years of orthodontics).
- Infection: Partially erupted teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to painful infections.
- Cysts or damage: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can cause damage to surrounding teeth or bone.
Not every teenager will need their wisdom teeth removed, but early evaluation makes a big difference. Removing them sooner, typically during the late teens, can lead to a smoother recovery and fewer complications.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If your teen’s wisdom teeth need to come out, they’ll likely be referred to an oral surgeon. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on what’s needed. The process usually takes under an hour, and most teens go home the same day.
The good news? Teens tend to recover faster than adults, which is why the late teen years are often the ideal time to do it.
Recovery Tips for Teens and Parents
Recovery typically takes a few days. Here’s how to help your teen recover smoothly:
- Use ice packs for the first 24–48 hours to help reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods like smoothies, soup, and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid straws (to prevent dry socket).
- Keep the mouth clean by gently rinsing with saltwater.
- Follow all post-op instructions from your oral surgeon or dentist.
Most teens feel back to normal within a week. And yes, ice cream is totally allowed!
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not necessarily. Some teens have enough space for their wisdom teeth to come in straight and healthy. In those cases, we’ll just keep an eye on them during regular visits. The key is monitoring growth, alignment, and oral health over time.
When Should You Start Thinking About Wisdom Teeth?
If your teen is 14 or older, now’s a great time to start the conversation. Early evaluation helps us spot problems before they start and possibly avoid a dental emergency later on.
At Growing Healthy Smiles, we keep a close eye on wisdom teeth development during every routine visit. If your teen hasn’t had an X-ray recently, let us know and we can help determine if their wisdom teeth are on track or if it’s time to talk about next steps.
Wisdom teeth are a normal part of growing up. Whether your teen’s wisdom teeth are coming in, already causing discomfort, or haven’t made an appearance yet, regular dental visits are the best way to stay ahead of any issues.
Have questions or think it might be time for an evaluation? 📞 Give us a call today or schedule an appointment to learn more about wisdom teeth and how we can help your teen keep smiling, now and in the future!