Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of the mouth. They usually show up between the ages of 15 and 25. Most dentists check them between ages 16 and 19 to see if there’s enough room for them.
Many people don’t have enough space in their mouths for these extra teeth. When there’s not enough room, wisdom teeth can cause pain and other problems. That’s why dentists often recommend having them removed.
Signs your child may need their wisdom teeth removed:
- Mouth or jaw pain
- Mouth infection
- Face swelling
- Swollen gums in the back of the mouth
Removing them early can help prevent serious problems, like damaging nearby teeth or bone. If wisdom teeth remain in place too long or fail to grow in properly, they become impacted. This means they become trapped or are unable to come in as they should.
This can lead to:
- Buildup of bacteria and plaque
- Gum infections
- Cysts, or fluid-filled sacs
- Tumors
- Jaw or gum disease
Most dental experts recommend removing wisdom teeth before problems start.