Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, do not spring up from the gums until people are in their late teens, 20s, or older. They represent the last teeth to burst or emerge from beneath the gums. Some people have four wisdom teeth, while others have none. They commonly show up once we’re older and wiser. Therefore, they are linked with wisdom.

Our ancestors needed a broader jaw to chew roots, leaves and branches. But since years of evolution, and eating cooked food, these extra molars have lost their job and our jaws have become smaller than the prehistoric era.

There is often insufficient room for wisdom teeth to grow easily through the gums. Therefore, they become jammed and blossom in opposite directions. Some impacted wisdom teeth are buried and do not pose any issues. Other impacted wisdom teeth, on the contrary hand, lead to serious issues.

Dr. Preet Pal Thakur, co-founder, Glamyo Health says, “If one or more of your wisdom teeth become painful, your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon may advise you to have them extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is a safe procedure, and elective surgery is preferable to emergency surgery.”
Here are 5 warning signs that your wisdom teeth are erupting and require medical attention: