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wisdom tooth

/ˌwɪzdəm tuθ/
/ˈwɪzdəm tuθ/
IPA guide

Other forms: wisdom teeth

A wisdom tooth is a molar that grows in the back of your mouth when you're older. For most people, their first wisdom tooth shows up between the ages of 17 and 25.

Wisdom teeth are the last four teeth to come in for most young adults, when they’re a bit older and, well, a bit wiser. Often, wisdom teeth stay below the gumline and need to be extracted. Luckily this procedure has been done millions of times so no worries if you have to visit your dentist to yank them out. On the other hand, you may never get wisdom teeth and experts even say we no longer need them. Chew on that fun fact!

Definitions of wisdom tooth
  1. noun
    any of the last 4 teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw; the last of the permanent teeth to erupt (between ages 16 and 21)
    see moresee less
    type of:
    grinder, molar
    grinding tooth with a broad crown; located behind the premolars
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