Dental Health Week 2026 | My Smile
For many young Australians, your late teens and early twenties are when your wisdom teeth begin to make an appearance. While some people never have a problem, others may experience pain, swelling or infection that requires treatment.
The good news? Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
The key is having your wisdom teeth monitored by your dentist before they become a problem.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third (and final) set of molars.
They usually begin developing during your teenage years and often emerge between the ages of 18 and 25—which is why they're called "wisdom teeth."
Most adults have four wisdom teeth:
Two upper wisdom teeth
Two lower wisdom teeth
Some people develop fewer than four, while others may not develop them at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Sometimes there isn't enough room for wisdom teeth to grow into the correct position.
When this happens, the tooth becomes impacted.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully erupt through the gums because it's blocked by another tooth, gum tissue or bone.
Sometimes the tooth stays completely hidden beneath the gums. In other cases, it may only partially emerge.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Problems
Wisdom teeth don't always cause symptoms immediately, but when they do, you may notice:
Pain at the back of your mouth
Swollen or tender gums
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Food constantly getting trapped around the wisdom tooth
Pain when chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to arrange a dental appointment.
Problems Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Cause
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be difficult to keep clean.
Because bacteria and food become trapped around the tooth, they may contribute to:
Gum infections
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Pain and swelling
Ulcers caused by rubbing against the cheek
Cysts developing around the tooth
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may also damage the neighbouring tooth.
Early assessment allows your dentist to monitor these risks and recommend treatment if required.
How Does a Dentist Check Wisdom Teeth?
During a routine examination, your dentist will check the back of your mouth to see whether your wisdom teeth have started to erupt.
They may also recommend taking a dental X-ray to see:
The position of the wisdom teeth
The angle they're growing
The shape of the roots
Whether there is enough space for them to erupt normally
How close they are to important nerves and surrounding structures
These images help determine whether your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems now or in the future.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
No.
One of the biggest myths about wisdom teeth is that everyone needs them removed.
In reality, many wisdom teeth remain healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean.
Removal is generally considered when wisdom teeth:
Are impacted
Repeatedly become infected
Develop tooth decay
Increase the risk of gum disease
Cause pain or swelling
Are associated with a cyst or other pathology
Cannot be cleaned properly
Your dentist will discuss whether monitoring or removal is the best option for your individual situation.
What Happens If They Need To Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth can often be removed by your general dentist.
More complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon or another dental specialist.
The procedure may be performed in:
A dental clinic
A day surgery
A hospital setting (for more complex cases)
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your preferences, treatment may involve local anaesthetic alone or additional sedation options.
Your dentist will explain exactly what to expect before treatment.
Don't Wait Until It Hurts
Many young adults ignore wisdom teeth until the pain becomes impossible to ignore.
Unfortunately, by that stage the tooth may already be infected or causing damage to nearby teeth.
Having your wisdom teeth checked during routine dental visits allows your dentist to monitor changes over time and identify any concerns before they become more serious.
Early assessment doesn't necessarily mean treatment—it simply means you have the information you need to make the right decision at the right time.
Looking After Your Smile
Your twenties are a time of change, and it's easy to put your oral health on the back burner.
But taking a proactive approach to your wisdom teeth now can help you avoid pain, unexpected dental emergencies and more complicated treatment later.
If you're between 18 and 25 and haven't had your wisdom teeth checked recently, now is a great time to book a dental examination.
Book Your Wisdom Teeth Assessment
Whether your wisdom teeth have already appeared or you're not sure if they're coming through, our friendly team can assess your oral health, take any necessary X-rays and discuss the best options for your smile.
Because when it comes to wisdom teeth, knowing what's happening today can help prevent bigger problems tomorrow.
