✓ Medically Reviewed. Last Updated on 09/16/2026. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that usually develop in the late teens or early twenties. So, why do we get wisdom teeth if many people eventually have problems with them? A widely cited explanation points to evolution: our ancestors had larger jaws and diets that required more chewing, so an extra set of molars was useful, and as human diets changed and jaws became smaller, there was often less room for these teeth to erupt...

✓ Medically Reviewed. Last Updated on 09/16/2026. Wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed. If they are healthy, fully erupted, easy to clean, and not causing pain, infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth, a dentist may recommend monitoring them instead. However, wisdom tooth extraction may be appropriate when a tooth is impacted, repeatedly infected, difficult to clean, decayed, or causing problems for neighbouring teeth. The decision is based on the position and condition of the...

✓ Medically Reviewed. Last Updated on 09/16/2026. A swollen wisdom tooth can happen when the tooth is partly erupting, trapped under the gum, difficult to clean, or surrounded by an infection. One common cause is pericoronitis, an inflammation or infection of the gum around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Mild swelling may settle temporarily, but recurring or worsening wisdom teeth swelling should not be ignored. Pain, difficulty opening your mouth, bad taste, fever, or swelling that...