Can You Be Born Without Wisdom Teeth?

And here’s the bonus: being born without wisdom teeth isn’t harmful—in fact, it often means you avoid the pain, crowding, or surgery that these teeth can bring.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they come in later, when you’re older and (supposedly) wiser. Thousands of years ago, these extra molars were useful for chewing tough foods like roots, nuts, and raw meat. But as human diets changed and our jaws became smaller, many people no longer had room for them.

Today, wisdom teeth are the ones most likely to cause trouble. When they don’t have enough space to grow properly, they can become impacted, leading to pain, swelling, or infection. That’s why dentists often keep a close eye on them during late adolescence and young adulthood. Still, some people never develop them in the first place—and if you’ve ever wondered, can you be born without wisdom teeth, the answer is yes.

Can You Really Be Born Without Wisdom Teeth?

Yes—you absolutely can be born without wisdom teeth. Dentists call this third molar agenesis, which simply means the teeth never formed in the first place. It’s more common than most people realize. Research shows that about 20–30% of people worldwide are missing at least one wisdom tooth (Gkantidis et al., 2021; Medicover-Genetics, 2023). In some populations, the number is even higher.

Genetics plays a big role here—if your parents were born without wisdom teeth, there’s a good chance you might be too. Scientists also think evolution is a factor: as human diets softened and our jaws became smaller, fewer people needed these extra molars. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can you be born without wisdom teeth?”, the answer is not only yes—it’s becoming more and more common.

Why Are Some People Missing Wisdom Teeth?

If you’ve learned that you or someone you know doesn’t have wisdom teeth, you might wonder why. There are a few key reasons:

• Genetics: The biggest factor is your DNA. Studies show that wisdom tooth agenesis often runs in families (Trakinienė et al., 2018). If your parents never developed third molars, chances are higher you won’t either.
• Evolution: Thousands of years ago, humans needed extra chewing power for raw plants, nuts, and tougher meats. As cooking softened our diets and jaws gradually became smaller, wisdom teeth became less necessary—and in many cases, stopped forming altogether.
• Population differences: Research shows the likelihood of being born without wisdom teeth can vary by ancestry. Some groups have significantly higher rates of missing third molars compared to others (Ercal et al., 2020).

In short, the answer to “why are some people missing wisdom teeth?” often comes down to inherited traits and the way human evolution has shaped our smiles.

How Do You Know If You Don’t Have Wisdom Teeth?

It’s not always apparent whether you’re missing wisdom teeth. Most people expect them to appear between ages 17 and 25—so if nothing shows up by then, you might start to wonder. Still, the only way to know for sure if you were born without wisdom teeth is through a dental X-ray.

X-rays let your dentist see whether wisdom teeth are forming below the gums. Sometimes they’re just late to the party, and other times they simply never developed at all. That’s why regular checkups are essential: your dentist can confirm whether your wisdom teeth are on their way, impacted, or completely absent.

If you’re unsure, ask your dentist during your next appointment. Knowing whether or not you have wisdom teeth can help you plan ahead—whether that means monitoring them for problems or feeling relieved that you won’t have to deal with them at all.

Is It a Good Thing to Be Missing Wisdom Teeth?

For most people, being born without wisdom teeth is a lucky break. Here’s why:

The Pros:

• No risk of impaction, infection, or crowding from wisdom teeth.
• You’ll likely avoid surgery, recovery time, and costs associated with wisdom tooth removal.
• Easier to keep your teeth and gums clean without hard-to-reach molars in the back.

The Cons:

• Honestly, there aren’t many downsides. Missing wisdom teeth doesn’t affect your ability to chew or speak.
• The only “con” is that you won’t know for sure without a dental X-ray, so you’ll still need to check in with your dentist.
  

So if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s bad to be born without wisdom teeth, rest easy—it’s not harmful at all. In fact, for many patients, it means one less dental worry down the road.

What If You Do Have Wisdom Teeth?

Not everyone is born without wisdom teeth—many people still develop all four. The big question is whether they’ll grow in without causing problems.

• When you can keep them: If your wisdom teeth come in straight, healthy, and fully erupted, you may not need to have them removed. As long as they’re easy to clean and not crowding your other teeth, they can stay put.
• When removal might be needed: Problems often happen when wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they’re trapped under the gums or growing at an angle. This can cause pain, swelling, infection, or push against your other teeth. In these cases, dentists often recommend extraction to protect your overall oral health.

If you still have your wisdom teeth—or aren’t sure whether they’re developing—it’s essential to keep up with dental checkups. Your dentist can monitor their position with X-rays and let you know if they’re fine to keep or better to remove. At Oxboro Family Dental, we help patients decide the best approach for their unique smiles.

Fast Facts About Wisdom Teeth

• Most people develop four wisdom teeth—two on the top and two on the bottom.
• They usually appear between ages 17 and 25.
• Not everyone gets them—20–30% of people are born without at least one wisdom tooth (Gkantidis et al., 2021).
• Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, or infection if they don’t erupt properly.
• If your wisdom teeth grow in straight and healthy, you may never need them removed.

Related Reading: What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

The Bottom Line on Wisdom Teeth

So, can you be born without wisdom teeth? Absolutely. Research shows that as many as 1 in 3 people never develop them, thanks to genetics and the way our jaws have evolved. If you’re one of them, there’s no downside—it just means you’re less likely to deal with impaction, infection, or extraction surgery. For everyone else, wisdom teeth aren’t always a problem, but they do need to be monitored closely.

Wondering About Your Wisdom Teeth?

Whether you’re curious if you were born without wisdom teeth or you’re starting to feel yours come in, the best way to know for sure is to schedule a dental exam. At Oxboro Family Dental, we use X-rays and personalized evaluations to help you understand your wisdom teeth and decide if they need attention. Call our Bloomington office today to book an appointment and keep your smile healthy for years to come.