Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to develop at the very back of the mouth. They are also called third molars because they are the third set of molar teeth, sitting behind the first and second molars.
They usually come through in the late teenage years or early twenties, often around the age of 18 to 25. This is later than the rest of the adult teeth, which is why they are commonly known as “wisdom teeth”.
Most people can have up to four wisdom teeth: one in each corner of the mouth. However, not everyone develops all four. Some people have fewer, and some people do not develop wisdom teeth at all.
Why are they called wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually appear later in life, when a person is older than when their other adult teeth came through.
The name is not a clinical term. Dentists and oral health professionals usually refer to them as third molars.
The word “wisdom” simply reflects the stage of life when they often appear. By the time wisdom teeth start coming through, the rest of the adult teeth are normally already in place.
Where are wisdom teeth in the mouth?
Wisdom teeth sit right at the back of the mouth.
They are found behind the second molars, in the upper and lower jaw. If all four are present, there is usually:
- one upper right wisdom tooth
- one upper left wisdom tooth
- one lower right wisdom tooth
- one lower left wisdom tooth
Because they are so far back, they can be hard to see in the mirror. They can also be harder to brush and floss properly compared with teeth closer to the front of the mouth.
Are wisdom teeth normal?
Yes. Wisdom teeth are a normal part of dental development.
They are not “extra” teeth in the sense of being abnormal. They are simply the final molars in the adult mouth.
The reason they get attention is because they develop last. By the time they are ready to come through, there may not be much room left at the back of the jaw.
For some people, wisdom teeth come through straight and sit normally in the mouth. For others, they may only partly come through or remain under the gum.
What do wisdom teeth do?
Wisdom teeth are molars, and molars are designed to help chew and grind food.
They have a broader, flatter surface compared with front teeth. In theory, wisdom teeth can help with chewing, just like the other molars.
In practice, they are not always useful. If they do not come through properly, sit at an angle, or are difficult to clean, they may not function like normal molars.
When do wisdom teeth usually come through?
Wisdom teeth usually come through in the late teens or early twenties.
A common age range is around 18 to 25, although this varies from person to person. Some people notice them earlier, some later, and some never notice them at all because the teeth stay under the gum.
The process of a tooth coming through the gum is called eruption. In everyday language, most people simply say the tooth is “coming through”.
Why do some people not have wisdom teeth?
Not everyone develops wisdom teeth.
Some people are born without one or more third molars. This is a natural variation and does not usually mean anything is wrong.
A person may have:
- all four wisdom teeth
- three wisdom teeth
- two wisdom teeth
- one wisdom tooth
- no wisdom teeth
The only reliable way to know whether wisdom teeth are present is usually through a dental examination and X-ray.
Can wisdom teeth be under the gum?
Yes. Wisdom teeth can be present even if you cannot see them.
A wisdom tooth may be:
- fully through the gum
- partly through the gum
- completely under the gum
- sitting under bone
- angled towards another tooth
This is why someone can “have wisdom teeth” without feeling them or seeing them in the mouth.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a wisdom tooth that cannot come through properly.
This can happen if there is not enough space, if the tooth is angled incorrectly, or if it is blocked by gum, bone, or another tooth. Healthdirect explains that some wisdom teeth only partly erupt and can become stuck against other teeth or bone.
An impacted wisdom tooth may still be developing normally, but it has not reached a normal position in the mouth.
Are wisdom teeth the same for everyone?
No. Wisdom teeth vary a lot from person to person.
Some people have wisdom teeth that come through normally and never cause any issues. Others may have wisdom teeth that stay hidden, come through only partly, or sit at an angle.
This is one reason wisdom teeth should not be judged only by symptoms. Two people can be the same age and have very different wisdom tooth development.
How do you know if you have wisdom teeth?
You may know you have wisdom teeth if you can see or feel them at the back of your mouth.
However, many people cannot tell just by looking. Wisdom teeth often sit too far back to see clearly, or they may still be under the gum.
A dentist can usually check the area and may recommend an X-ray to confirm:
- whether wisdom teeth are present
- how many there are
- where they are positioned
- whether they have come through
- whether they are still under the gum or bone
Simple summary
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. They are the last adult teeth to develop and usually come through in the late teens or early twenties.
Most people can have up to four wisdom teeth, but some people have fewer or none. They are normal teeth, but because they appear last and sit so far back in the mouth, they do not always come through in a simple or visible way.
FAQs
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult molars at the back of the mouth. They are also called third molars.
Why are they called wisdom teeth?
They are called wisdom teeth because they usually come through later than the other adult teeth, often when a person is in their late teens or early twenties.
How many wisdom teeth do people have?
Many people have four wisdom teeth, but some people have fewer, and some people do not develop wisdom teeth at all.
Where are wisdom teeth located?
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the second molars, in the upper and lower jaw.
Can wisdom teeth stay under the gum?
Yes. Some wisdom teeth never fully come through and may stay partly or completely under the gum.
Are wisdom teeth bad?
No. Wisdom teeth are not automatically bad. They are normal teeth, but they can sometimes be difficult to clean or may not have enough space to come through properly.
