One of the most wonderful things you will experience as a parent is witnessing your infant grow into a toddler, an elementary school kid, a teenager, and finally an adult. You’ll celebrate many milestones, including the coming and going of the primary and permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the very last teeth to come in. We, at Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, are here for you to care for your child’s dental health every step of the way!

When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?

Wisdom teeth typically erupt during the late teenage years or in the early twenties, although they sometimes appear later. However, these third molars begin forming behind the scenes much earlier, usually between the ages of 7-10. First, the tooth calcifies, then its crown begins to form. Next, the root develops, and finally, the tooth emerges through the gums. This entire process may take several years to complete, and the timing can vary widely from person to person.

Signs of Wisdom Teeth Eruption

Most people experience minor discomfort that will go away once the wisdom teeth come in, while others may experience no symptoms at all. In some cases, patients experience soreness or pain, which can be usually relieved using over-the-counter medication, and by gently rinsing with warm saltwater.

Sometimes wisdom teeth coming in can cause problems. Symptoms that indicate a problem with eruption include lingering jaw pain or swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, a bad smell or taste in the mouth, or crooked front teeth. Additional signs of problems include tender, bleeding, red, or swollen gums. These symptoms could arise from improperly cleaning the area, or can be indicative of infection from an impacted wisdom tooth.

Potential Wisdom Teeth Problems

Wisdom teeth often cause problems because most people don’t have enough space to accommodate them, which often results in them being impacted, or trapped in the gum or bone tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can potentially result in intense pain and pressure.

Wisdom teeth frequently come in at an incorrect angle, pushing the neighboring teeth out of alignment. That may crowd the mouth and make it harder to clean, which can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, or gum disease.

When to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

If your child experiences problems with any wisdom teeth, we may recommend extraction. We may also need to remove your child’s wisdom teeth if it’s clear they will not be able to come in properly because there is not enough room, if they are painful, or if they are decayed.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Glendale, AZ

Visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about the development of your children’s teeth and what to expect along the way. We look forward to monitoring their oral health from the moment the first tooth comes in, all the way until the wisdom teeth are ready to erupt. We are committed to ensuring our young patients enjoy healthy smiles for a lifetime. Call us today!