Can wisdom teeth push on other teeth as they grow?

A wisdom tooth can push on the 2nd molar as it grows

Wisdom teeth don’t always come in smoothly.

When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, they can tilt or grow sideways, pushing toward the neighboring tooth.

If a wisdom tooth presses against the next molar, it can cause serious and irreversible damage—like root resorption, where the root of the adjacent tooth starts to break down.

There’s a common belief that wisdom teeth push the front teeth out of alignment—but we’ll get into that later.

What’s important to know is that it’s usually the second molar—the tooth right next to the wisdom tooth—that suffers the most and takes the biggest hit.

Now, do all wisdom teeth cause problems? Not at all.

If they’re properly aligned and there’s enough space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can function just like any other tooth. They can help with chewing and may not cause any future issues.

Wisdom teeth can cause front teeth to overlap: Myth or reality?

There’s a common myth that wisdom teeth can push other teeth forward, causing the front teeth to overlap.

It’s true that crowding of the lower front teeth often happens in the late teens or early twenties—right around the time wisdom teeth begin to emerge. This timing led many to believe that wisdom teeth are the cause.

While wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby molars and cause some jaw discomfort, they’re unlikely to shift your front teeth out of place. Here’s why:

• Teeth are firmly anchored into the jawbone with long roots and strong ligaments. It would take continuous and significant pressure to move them.


• The front teeth are far from the wisdom teeth—there are 14 other teeth between them. It’s simply not realistic for wisdom teeth to push through that entire row and cause crowding.

Studies show that lower front tooth crowding occurs even in people who don’t have wisdom teeth at all. This means that factors other than wisdom teeth are involved, such as jaw growth and muscle function.

So, extracting wisdom teeth just to prevent crowding on front teeth is no longer considered a practical solution.

Reasons why wisdom teeth can grow into neighboring teeth

Wisdom teeth rarely grow in a straight line. They often grow slightly angled toward the neighboring teeth—the second molars.

This positioning happens because there isn’t enough space in the jaw, so the wisdom teeth bend or tilt in an attempt to fit.

If they hit the second molars on their way in, they may become stuck in that position and become impacted, without breaking through the gums.

While impacted wisdom teeth might not cause immediate symptoms, this doesn't mean this will always be the case. They can flare up at any time and lead to various complications, such as pain, cysts, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth.

Wisdom teeth can take on any direction you can think of. They can be vertical, horizontal, angled to the right or left, forwards or backwards, or even positioned far from their usual location. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role.

Sometimes, as wisdom teeth emerge, their sharp chewing surfaces can point towards the cheek, potentially causing injury while you talk or eat.

How badly can wisdom teeth damage other teeth?

When a wisdom tooth presses against the roots of the second molar and becomes impacted in that position, it can continuously apply pressure, gradually wearing down the roots and surrounding bone.

As a result, the second molar may become loose and unstable—often beyond repair. In such cases, both the wisdom tooth and the second molar may need to be removed.

If a wisdom tooth manages to emerge into the mouth, it may settle into a poor position, promoting more plaque accumulation and making oral hygiene and cleaning harder. This can result in cavities and inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

At a more advanced stage, whether wisdom teeth are fully or partially erupted, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to an infection that spreads to the surrounding tissues.

Additionally, it's not unusual for impacted wisdom teeth to develop cysts. These are fluid-filled cavities that form inside the jawbone.

Initially asymptomatic, cysts can grow over time, exerting pressure on neighboring teeth and potentially causing them to loosen and move. When they get larger, cysts can lead to jaw and facial deformities.

Warning Signs

As wisdom teeth grow in, you might feel some discomfort or pressure in that area that comes and goes. Sometimes, this sensation can extend to other parts of your face, like your jaws, joints, and ears.

If your wisdom teeth are well aligned with other teeth and have enough space, these symptoms are usually temporary and will fade as the teeth settle into place in your mouth.

However, it's not always the case when wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted or don't have enough room to fit. Even if they don't cause any immediate pain or complications, it's crucial to check them regularly, as they can develop into serious issues later.

Some symptoms that you should see your dentist for include:

• Intense, constant, throbbing pain in the jaw: If the pain becomes unbearable, it's not typical for the usual wisdom tooth eruption process and may indicate a complication like an infection.


• Cavities: Wisdom teeth in odd positions are more prone to decay, potentially affecting neighboring teeth. So always check the area for signs of cavities.


• Swelling: It's normal for the area to swell and feel tender as wisdom teeth emerge. However, significant or persistent swelling could signal a complication.


• Pus leakage: If you notice a pale yellow liquid leaking from the gum or elsewhere, it's a clear sign of infection.


• Shifting teeth: While wisdom teeth themselves don't make teeth move, if they do, it could mean a cyst or tumor is growing.

How are wisdom teeth that are growing into the teeth treated?

If a wisdom tooth poses a threat to nearby teeth, the best solution is often to remove it altogether.

Taking out your wisdom teeth won’t affect your smile or your ability to chew. That’s why removal is usually the right choice when the benefits outweigh the risks of keeping them.

What happens if a badly positioned wisdom tooth is left alone? Even if it doesn’t cause problems now, it’s likely to cause them later.

It may destroy the surrounding bone or even break down the roots of the neighboring molar. In the worst-case scenario, you could lose multiple teeth, not just the wisdom tooth.