Do You Think My Wisdom Teeth Are Growing In?


Question:
I'm 16. A few weeks ago the back of my gums, right behind my last set of teeth, started hurting. It didn't hurt that much but it felt like there was a bump on the top and a bump on the sides. And it was white on the top of my gums and a little red on the sides. Then the pain went away. Now, it's back again and I noticed that the white is a little bigger now. BUT it only hurts on my left side. Last time, it was both.

Could these be my wisdom teeth? Or something else? I thought I was too young to get my wisdom teeth.

Thanks.

-Sara

Answers:
It is quite normal for a 16 year old female to have wisdom teeth try to erupt (grow into the mouth). Remember when your "12 year molars" (2nd molars) came in? You may have even been younger than 12...Wisdom teeth are called the 3rd molars, and unfortunately most of us don't have enough jaw space to let them grow in properly, so they need to be removed. Back in the Neanderthal days we needed those extra molars to chew the tough stuff that made up our diets, but as our food has become more refined (cooked, chopped) our jaws have become smaller (and more attractive!), thus eliminating the need for a 3rd set of molars. In just the 20 years I've been in the profession I've seen more people being born with only 3,2,1 or zero wisdom teeth! Makes me feel really old, since this type of evolution should take thousands of years!
Yeah it sounds like wisdom teeth.

Mine are coming through and i'm 17.


You should see a dentist to make sure they come through okay..
I got all four of my wisdom teeth out less than a year ago when I was 16. It's not that unusual for them to be growing in now. See a dentist and get an X-ray so the doctor can confirm if there is any impaction of the teeth (ie. mine were growing in sideways and therefore needed to be taken out). If they are wisdom teeth, stock up on macaroni and mashed potatoes and contact your local oral surgeon for an appointment. Good luck!
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