Third molars were known as “teeth of wisdom” from the seventeenth century and “wisdom teeth” from the nineteenth century. The third molars generally appear much later than other teeth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25 when a person reaches adulthood. It is generally thought among linguists that their name derives from their later appearance, at an age when a person is maturing into adulthood and is seen to be “wiser” than when other teeth have erupted.
Lately, the idea that the third molar does indeed erupt when a person is “wiser” has gained credence. Recent research has shown the brain continues to grow and develop right on through adolescence: in fact, most researchers believe the brain does not reach full maturity until the age of 25. It seems our ancestors weren’t so far off the mark — that the eruption of “wisdom teeth” is a sign that the carefree days of childhood have given way to the responsibilities of adulthood.
Not everyone has all four wisdom teeth, and some people do not have any
It’s important to monitor presence and the eruption of wisdom teeth as often there is not sufficient space to accommodate them. Wisdom teeth that get stuck or “impacted” can cause pain and infection, and may also cause decay of the molars in front of them which may not be visible without x rays.