Posted by Sarah Mahoney on September 14, 2011 · 35 Comments
Not really, says T. Bob Davis, a dental surgeon and the spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry. Wisdom teeth normally don’t break through the gums until about the ages of 17 to 25, but your dentist will likely start assessing your child when she’s 13. And if it seems likely that the wisdom teeth – or third molars, as they are clinically called – will crowd other teeth or cause problems (dentists can predict this using dental X-rays), the sooner they are extracted, the better for your child’s oral health, says Davis.
“It’s easier on both dentists and patients to
remove the teeth when the roots are still soft and not fully formed, and younger people heal better,” adds Davis. (He likes to remove the lower set of wisdom teeth in one procedure, at age 14 or 15, followed by the upper set in a separate procedure the following year.) “There’s no point in making a child wait — it just gets harder as the roots calcify.”
But as common as the procedure is, Davis warns that two things are likely to be different for your child than they were when you were a teen:
- Don’t expect general anesthesia. Patients who have general anesthesia – as opposed to sedation and local anesthesia – heal more slowly. What’s more, a recent study found that patients who are given general anesthesia are more likely to develop infections – and that their infections are more severe – than those who are given local anesthesia.
- Don’t expect a “knockout” pain medication. These days, dentists are less likely to prescribe heavy-duty pain pills. Painkillers such as Vicodin are among the most abused drugs, “and it’s better not to introduce it to kids who are in their teens,” he says, “especially since we now know we can manage pain so much more effectively, alternating ibuprofen (even before the procedure) with less addictive types of painkillers.” But each case is different. If you’re concerned your child is not getting enough pain relief (or worried that it’s too much), talk to your dentist.
Editors Note:
For additional information on this topic, please see our follow up post “Be Wise About Your Teen’s Wisdom Teeth” by PedSafe Expert Dr Bill Williams
I’m 13 years old and my 12 year old molars had grown in by age 8 or so. I think i may be getting my wisdom teeth, only one so far on my lower left side. Its just a large bump and its red and swollen and VERY sore. I noticed the pain a few months back but it stopped and recently started up again. I think it has broke through the gum now because i can somewhat feel a tooth. I just don’t know what to do and I feel like i have my finger in my mouth 24/7 🙁 Help? Advice? Tips? Thanks!
Hi Sally,
All of the symptoms you have referenced do suggest that your wisdom tooth is erupting. It is common for patients to experience pain and swelling when teeth come in. The question is what we do next. You should visit your dentist for a complete evaluation to determine how to proceed. Most dentists recommend extracting wisdom teeth as soon as possible to avoid possible complications down the road. As the article above states, the sooner we get them out, the better.
All 4 wisdom teeth came in and they all hurt badly but there is one tooth in the bottom right side there is what looks like a piece of a tooth coming out behind the third molar and im only 13!
Answers Please! Thanks!
Hi my name is sam and I am 11 I am randomly getting pain at the very right of my mouth is it possible to get pain at my age of wisdom teeth
Hi Sam, wisdom teeth only come in at around age 18 if at all. You may have second molars are coming in now. Should be checked if the pain continues because it could be a cavity in a tooth.
Hi Maria, wisdom teeth come in at age 18 or so, not as early as 12-13. Those would likely be second molars now. Wisdom teeth are 3rd molars. If it bothers you a dentist can help now.
Hi there! I’m 14 and I’ve been experiencing pain and stiffness on my jaw area. I’m not able to yawn or eat certain foods without feeling at least a little bit of pain. On my bottom jaw in the back, I noticed a few weeks ago that the back was coming up more (if that makes sense..) and it has become swollen. Is this a sign that my wisdom tooth is growing in? And if so, should I get it removed soon?
Hi I’m only twelve and I really do have my wisdom teeth and it’s not my second molars we counted my teeth and we counted 14 on bottom and 14 on top please awnser HELP!!
Hi Kelly…our dental expert, Dr Bill Williams, wrote a more detailed post on wisdom teeth for younger teens. I’m providing the link here: https://pediatricsafety.net/2016/10/be-wise-about-your-teens-wisdom-teeth/. It may give you the answers you need. If it doesn’t and it’s starting to bother you, it might not hurt to ask your dental health professional at your next checkup. Or if it’s really painful, setup a visit with your dentist ahead of schedule so they can check and see if there’s something else going on.
Same here the exact same thing
Hi,
I am 13. I already got my 12 year molars, and lately I’ve had bad toothaches where my wisdom teeth will come in on my lower jaw. I want to go see a dentist if it’s nothing, but I already have my 12 year molars and I see teeth popping through. IT HURTS. What do I do?
Pay
So I am getting my wisdom teeth(all 4) removed tommarow they arent fully up yet so they are going into my gums and im only 13 and I really dont think this is safe! Not all 4 at once when im 13 anyways.
I am only 13 and have all three of my wisdom teeth and the last one is almost cut all the way through and I have a high pain tolerance so it didn’t hurt very much although it looks really painful and I was just wondering if they are my wisdom teeth or not my mom and dad say they are
Hi I’m 12 when I was brushing my teeth I noticed I tiny tooth coming in I still have some baby teeth I’m wondering is it one of my wisdom teeth? I thought you are would feel some sort of pain but I didn’t
I am 14 and I have 28 teeth. I think my wisdom teeth are growing in. I was wondering what I should do. People say that your wisdom teeth don’t com in until you are like 17.
Wisdom teeth can come in a little early but usually do not. They can be a painful condition once they get near the time they will erupt into the mouth. We see most come in at 17-18 if at all. Many never erupt and become impacted. Removing them at the best time means keeping track of them and doing the surgery when it is easiest for the patient…generally age 16-17.
I am 13 to and will be getting my braces off in less than a month . I saw my X-Ray and they pointed out my wisdom turns out my wisdom are in the same spot were my mouth has been sore . It’s swollen and hurts really bad I tend to punch on it a lot because of the pain. I want them out soon t
Hi Kourtney,
Your may want to talk to your dentist about your mouth hurting as much as it is. It may be that getting your braces off will get rid of some of the pressure and you may feel a whole lot better. Or it may be that your wisdom teeth are just starting to come in, and for a short period of time he or she may prescribe a mild pain-reliever like Tylenol. But you won’t know until you talk to them. I’m guessing they’re probably not going to recommend the “punch on it a lot” approach. I’m just thinking that may not be their number one choice here. But you won’t know until you ask. Write back and let us know what they say…ok??? Thanks!
Hello im gabby and im 13 my first two wisdom teeth have come in on the left side of my mouth although you can only see half and they did not hurt but my right side is swollen and I mostly feel the pain while I’m asleep and occasionally when I’m up but no teeth come up on that side and after researching I believe that the tooth is side ways but I’m not 100% positive
I’m 12 almost 13 and the dingest said my wisdom teeth were coming in what can I do 2 help the pain so far iv alny got my 2 bottom coming in but they hurt like alot
Im only 12 years old but i got pain in the back of my mouth and its red a piece of my gum came up and idk if its my wisdom teeth coming in
Hi I’m 16 years old and they told my mom there taking my wisdom teeth
That’s not uncommon at 16. This is something that’s done all the time so I wouldn’t worry. If you have any questions, you can always ask your dentist – they can explain the procedure, how long it takes to heal, what you can and can’t eat before and after the procedure, etc. Please write back afterwards and tell us how you’re doing.
Hi, I’m thirteen and I’m getting two of my wisdom teeth out tomorrow. I will be getting the kind of anesthesia that makes it so that you can’t remember anything, but you are still awake. I’m really nervous, especially since I’ve never had any kind of surgery or dental procedure besides the regular cleaning. I hate vomiting and extreme pain. What should I expect and how can I possibly prevent vomiting? This includes things I can do before the procedure and afterwards.
Thanks.
First Bridget, talk to your doctor and let him/her know your concerns when you arrive – especially if you’re prone to nausea / vomiting. They can help with the medications they give you. Also stock up on some ginger ale or cola and leave it out of the refrigerator. If you’re stomach is bothering you later, you can sip on it – but better if it’s on the warm side – and not too fizzy. Also, you’re going to want to have some ice packs for your cheeks. If you’re feeling nauseous, try putting a little ice in a washcloth and put it on the back of your neck. Sometimes that can help break the nausea cycle as well. Avoid eating things that could upset your stomach before you go to bed the night before – remember – you’re already nervous – try and avoid foods that could bother your system before you even get started 🙂 …and remember…it’ll be fine. They’ll give you something to minimize the pain (and it usually doesn’t last very long – your gums heal pretty fast)… Find something to distract yourself – (on Netflix or somewhere else). Write back and let us know how you’re doing! We’ll be thinking of you!
I’m 14 years old. My third molars (wisdom teeth) are growing in. I go to the dentist tomorrow for a regular cleaning. Should I ask him about my teeth? They hurt like crazy and I hear people say it’s better to get them out when you’re younger. Please help!
Hi Rosie, First – definitely ask your dentist about your teeth. He or she is going to be your best resource when anything in your mouth is hurting. Besides, you’re going to be there anyway…if it’s something else other than your wisdom teeth, they’ll be able to spot it and advise you. Now, in general, here’s some info that may help ease your concerns a little before your visit: https://pediatricsafety.net/2016/10/be-wise-about-your-teens-wisdom-teeth/. But don’t use this as an excuse not to ask them about your teeth! If something’s going on, a two-minute look now could save you a lot of pain and a return trip. Drop us a note and let us know how it went please.
I am 15 year old and my cannan teeth is moving.
What should I DO?
Hi i had my wisdom teeth grow since i was 9 or 10 i am 11 now and i have all 4 is that ok?
Hi Becca, thanks for your question. Our dental expert, Dr Bill Williams, wrote a more detailed post on wisdom teeth. I’m providing the link here: https://pediatricsafety.net/2016/10/be-wise-about-your-teens-wisdom-teeth/. It may answer your questions. If you aren’t having pain or any other symptoms you may be fine. But it’s always good to ask a dental health professional at a checkup. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m 11 I went to the dentist and she said i have my second molars I can back and a month later I see teeth poking out because I felt a pain. Was my dentist wrong?
Hi Ella, thanks for your question. Our dental expert, Dr Bill Williams, wrote a more detailed post on wisdom teeth. I’m providing the link here: https://pediatricsafety.net/2016/10/be-wise-about-your-teens-wisdom-teeth/. It may answer your questions. If it doesn’t and it’s starting to bother you, it might not hurt to ask your dental health professional at your next checkup. Or if it’s really painful, setup a visit with your dentist ahead of schedule so they can check and see if there’s something else going on. Thanks for stopping by!