13 Dec Teething vs. Wisdom Teeth: What Parents and Teens Need to Know 

Over half of all people – 53%, according to the Cleveland Clinic – have at least one wisdom tooth. These third molars typically appear in the late teen or early adult years and can lead to discomfort or complications. For parents, teething in babies begins a child’s dental journey. It is also important to understand how to manage wisdom teeth in teens. 

Here at McIlwain Dental Specialists, we support your family through every stage of dental care. In this blog, we will look at the differences between teething and wisdom teeth. We will answer common questions like, “What age do wisdom teeth come in?” We will also give tips to keep smiles healthy at any age. 

What Is Teething? 

Teething is the natural process where a baby’s first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This stage usually begins at six months old. It lasts until about three years old. By then, all 20 primary teeth have usually come in. 

For many infants, teething can be an uncomfortable experience as the teeth push through the gums, causing: 

• Swelling 

• Tenderness 

• Mild irritation 

Common signs of teething include increased drooling, a desire to chew on objects, and occasional fussiness or changes in sleep patterns. 

As a parent, it’s important to monitor your baby’s oral development during this stage. You can help ease their discomfort by offering teething rings or other safe chewing options. In some cases, pediatricians or dentists may recommend over-the-counter remedies for pain relief. 

Regular dental checkups are crucial even during these early stages. At McIlwain Dental Specialists, we offer gentle care for families. We want your baby’s first dental visits to be positive. This helps create a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth? 

As we highlighted above, wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth were essential for our ancestors, who needed them to chew tough, coarse foods. 

However, as diets and jaw sizes have evolved, wisdom teeth are now often unnecessary and may cause more harm than good. For many people, wisdom teeth can lead to complications such as: 

• Impaction 

• Crowding 

• Gum inflammation 

Impaction occurs when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the teeth to fully emerge, causing them to press against neighboring teeth or remain trapped under the gums. Common symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth include swelling, pain, and difficulty chewing. 

Not everyone experiences issues with their wisdom teeth, but regular dental evaluations are essential to monitor their development. Our team at McIlwain Dental Specialists uses advanced technology to assess wisdom teeth and provide personalized recommendations.  

Key Differences Between Teething and Wisdom Teeth 

As we’ve seen, teething and wisdom teeth represent two distinct stages of dental development. While teething occurs in infancy and focuses on the emergence of primary teeth, wisdom teeth appear in the late teen years and often require professional care due to potential complications. 

Timeline 

To reiterate, teething begins as early as six months of age and continues until a child is around three years old, when all 20 primary teeth have typically emerged. These teeth pave the way for proper chewing and speech development, making them an essential milestone in early childhood. 

In contrast, wisdom teeth develop much later, typically surfacing between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, they may never fully emerge or remain dormant beneath the gums. 

The significant gap between these stages means that parents need to address different types of dental care during each phase. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms of teething and wisdom teeth growth vary significantly. Teething in infants often causes general discomfort, drooling, gum tenderness, and a strong desire to chew on objects. These symptoms are usually mild and can be managed with simple at-home remedies. 

Wisdom teeth, on the other hand, often bring more localized and severe symptoms. Teens and young adults may experience sharp wisdom tooth pain, swelling in the back of the mouth, and even infections if the teeth are impacted. These symptoms often require prompt evaluation and treatment by a dental professional. 

Treatment Needs 

Teething is a natural process that typically doesn’t require professional intervention beyond routine pediatric dental checkups. Parents can alleviate discomfort with teething rings, cold washcloths, or over-the-counter remedies if recommended by a dentist. 

In contrast, wisdom teeth often need professional attention. While some individuals have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may require their removal due to impaction, crowding, or risk of infection. 

At McIlwain Dental Specialists, we monitor wisdom teeth development closely during regular checkups, providing guidance on whether extraction is necessary. 

Tips to Keep Smiles Healthy at Any Age 

Finally, maintaining a healthy smile, whatever your age, starts with daily habits. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are essential for preventing plaque buildup and cavities. Regular dental checkups are equally important, as they allow your dentist to catch issues early and provide professional cleanings. 

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium helps strengthen teeth, while limiting sugary snacks and beverages reduces the risk of decay. For younger children, make dental care fun with colorful toothbrushes and songs. Teens and adults should also wear protective gear like mouthguards during sports to prevent injuries. 

Your Trusted Dental Care Experts 

To sum up, teething and wisdom teeth eruption mark significant stages in oral development, each requiring unique care and attention. McIlwain Dental Specialists can help ease your baby’s teething pain and we can also assist your teen with wisdom teeth issues. 

Our experienced team understands the importance of monitoring dental growth, addressing issues early, and ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you’re wondering, “What age do wisdom teeth come in?”, or have concerns about your child’s oral health, we’re happy to provide expert advice and personalized care. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference of family-focused dental care.