Feeling pressure at the back of your mouth?
Experiencing gum swelling or jaw pain? These are common signs that wisdom teeth, your third molars, are making their way through.
For some people, wisdom teeth come in smoothly without major issues. But for others, the process is painful, slow, and complicated, especially if there is not enough room in the jaw.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Common symptoms of wisdom teeth eruption
- How long it takes for wisdom teeth to fully emerge
- Potential complications and when to see a dentist
- Pain relief strategies and treatment options
Let’s explore everything you need to know about what to do when do wisdom teeth come through and how to handle it.
1. When Do Wisdom Teeth Come Through?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, but the timing and experience can vary for each individual.
What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people may experience eruption earlier or later, depending on genetics and jaw structure.
How Long Does It Take for a Wisdom Tooth to Emerge?
The process varies:
- Initial movement: The tooth shifts within the jawbone.
- Partial eruption: The tooth begins breaking through the gum line.
- Full eruption: The tooth is fully visible and functional.
This process can take several months to years, and some wisdom teeth never fully emerge at all.
2. Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Eruption
When wisdom teeth start coming through, you may notice:
- Jaw pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums behind your molars
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- A strange taste or bad breath due to trapped food
- Ear pain, headaches, or sinus pressure (if upper wisdom teeth press on sinuses)
Not everyone experiences severe symptoms, but if discomfort becomes unbearable, it may indicate impaction or infection.
3. Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt When They Come Through?
Yes, wisdom teeth can be painful as they break through the gum tissue.
The pain might:
- Start as a dull ache and becomes sharper over time.
- Worsen when chewing or biting.
- Radiate to the jaw, ear, or even the neck.
How to Relieve Wisdom Teeth Pain at Home
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol).
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore gums.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
4. Do Wisdom Teeth Bleed When They Come Through?
Mild bleeding can occur as the tooth pushes through sensitive gum tissue. If you notice excessive bleeding, it may be due to:
- Gum inflammation or infection
- Improper oral hygiene causing irritation
- Impaction, where the tooth is stuck under the gums
What to Do if Your Wisdom Teeth Bleed?
- Gently rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Apply a damp gauze pad with light pressure.
- Avoid excessive brushing around the area.
If bleeding persists for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist.
5. Causes and Risk Factors for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Not everyone’s wisdom teeth come in smoothly. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they do not fully erupt due to lack of space or improper growth angles.
Types of Impactions
- Soft tissue impaction: Trapped under the gums.
- Hard tissue impaction: Stuck within the jawbone.
- Horizontal impaction: Grows sideways, pressing on other teeth.
- Vertical impaction: Tries to erupt but does not have enough space.
Risk Factors
- Small jaw size or crowded teeth
- Genetics—if your parents had impacted wisdom teeth, you might, too
- Environmental factors like diet and oral health habits
6. Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth
If wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, they can cause serious oral health problems, including:
- Tooth crowding: pushing other teeth out of alignment
- Cysts: fluid-filled sacs that damage bone
- Infections: bacteria buildup leading to pain and swelling
- Nerve damage: if roots press against nerves
If you experience severe swelling, jaw stiffness, or pus near your wisdom teeth, seek immediate dental care.
7. When to Seek Medical Advice
While some discomfort is normal during wisdom teeth eruption, persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection may indicate a more serious issue that requires professional evaluation.
Signs You Should See a Dentist
- Persistent pain lasting over a week
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes or fever
- Pus, bad breath, or a foul taste
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If wisdom teeth cause chronic pain, infections, or misalignment, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend surgical removal.
8. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, typically done as outpatient surgery.
How Long Is Recovery?
- Day 1-3: Swelling and discomfort peak.
- Week 1: Healing progresses; avoid hard foods.
- Weeks 2-3: Most swelling and bruising subsides.
- One month+: Full healing.
Post-Surgery Aftercare Tips
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup.
- Use prescribed pain relievers as directed.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and straws to prevent dry sockets.
Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can be challenging, but with proper care, you can manage pain and prevent complications.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, do not wait. Book a consultation with a dental professional today.
👉 Need expert dental care? Read more about wisdom teeth removal and post-surgery recovery here.
FAQs
1. How do you know if wisdom tooth pain is serious?
If pain lasts over a week, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, see a dentist.
2. Can wisdom teeth cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth can press on nerves, causing jaw pain, headaches, and even sinus pressure.
3. What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?
Garlic, turmeric, and clove oil have natural antibacterial properties, but they do not replace professional treatment.
4. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. If wisdom teeth grow properly and do not cause issues, removal is not necessary.
5. Can wisdom teeth affect braces or straight teeth?
Yes. Wisdom teeth can cause crowding, affecting previous orthodontic treatments.
