You can tell your wisdom teeth are coming in by noticing several common signs and symptoms, typically occurring between ages 17 and 25:
- Jaw pain or discomfort near the back of your mouth, often a dull ache or soreness that may become more frequent or intense as the teeth emerge
- Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums around the area where the wisdom teeth are trying to come through, sometimes accompanied by redness or inflammation
- Swelling of the gums or jaw , which may cause difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Unpleasant taste or bad breath caused by bacteria accumulating around partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth
- Pressure or crowding of other teeth as wisdom teeth push through, potentially causing crookedness or discomfort
- Occasionally, you might experience headaches, ear pain, or mild fever related to the eruption process
Sometimes a small flap of gum tissue (pericoronal flap) may be visible over a partially erupted tooth
. Because wisdom teeth can be impacted (stuck under gums or growing at an angle), symptoms can vary and may cause complications like infections or damage to nearby teeth. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can confirm if your wisdom teeth are coming in and if any treatment is needed
. In summary, watch for jaw pain, gum tenderness or swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, bad taste or breath, and pressure on other teeth as key indicators your wisdom teeth are erupting