If you are in your early 20s and have friends that recently had their wisdom teeth removed, you may wonder if yours should be extracted. While there are no exact guidelines for the age at which you should get your wisdom teeth removed, there are certain factors that make it ideal to have them removed before the age of 24. Here are a few things you should understand about wisdom teeth.

They can sometimes cause no problems

There are people that never get their wisdom teeth removed, and these individuals may never experience any problems with these teeth. While this can happen, it is more common for people to experience problems with their wisdom teeth. It's also good to know that, even if you are not experiencing any problems with them now, you are likely to at some point in the future.

There are signs that you should have them removed

Some people may never even realize that their wisdom teeth are causing problems, but others may have signs. If you have been experiencing jaw pain or stiffness lately, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are not coming in straight. You may also know that there is a problem if your gums are swollen, sore, or bleeding.

When wisdom teeth do not come in properly, they can end up forcing pressure on other teeth in your mouth. In addition, they can also be prone to developing decay, even if they do not come all the way through your gums. These are some of the reasons dentists prefer removing them rather than allowing a person to keep them. These teeth simply pose too many risks for people.

Dentist like to remove them before the age of 24

Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth that form in your mouth, and they may not even begin forming until you are around 18 years old. Once they begin to form, it will take a few years for them to fully develop. If you can get them removed before they are fully developed, it will be an easier process to go through, and this is why dentists recommend doing this before you are 24 years old.

Another factor that dentists consider is the way a person's age can play a role in a procedure like this. Getting work done when you are younger is often a better idea than waiting, simply because your body will be healthier when you are younger, and this will be important for the healing process after your wisdom teeth are removed.

If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or problems, or if you would just like to find out if you should get yours extracted, visit a dentist today.