December 24, 2021
The set of third molars that generally appear in early adulthood between the ages of 15 and 25 are known as Wisdom Teeth.
These are the last set of permanent teeth to grow and begin surfacing while the rest of the teeth have been there for some time.
However, when this happens, crowding may occur causing a great amount of discomfort and pain.
The surfacing of wisdom teeth is called an “eruption.” However, the wisdom teeth that partially erupt can cause pain and swelling.
On the other hand, the wisdom teeth that are unable to erupt are referred to as being “impacted”.
This is caused by the orientation of the teeth and the scarcity of space. Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to impingement, infection, and other conditions.
Oral health affects the all-around wellness of the human body. Wisdom teeth symptoms should never be ignored.
Although it is recommended to remove wisdom teeth before the age of 25, anyone can be a candidate for wisdom teeth removal depending on the patient’s needs.
How to Know if Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming in
It is important to be on the lookout for the appearance of wisdom teeth and any signs that it might be time to get them removed.
1. Jaw Pain and Discomfort
The wisdom teeth that begin to grow in blocked or misaligned ways put more pressure on surrounding teeth, the jawline, and sinuses and even cause chronic headaches.
This results in pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Moreover, when the wisdom teeth erupt and press on nerves and bone, the pain becomes more intense.
2. Red and Swollen Gums
Wisdom teeth can also cause Redness, tenderness, and swelling around the site which can make chewing and other ordinary tasks difficult.
Irritation of the gums is another symptom of the wisdom tooth and a tell-tale sign you need to see your dentist for a cleaning and take care to brush and floss around the area afterward.
3. Crowded Feeling in the Mouth
While growing, wisdom teeth grow and begin to put pressure on encircling teeth, attempting to displace them, leading to swelling of gums and jaw muscles which ends up crowding the mouth even more.
The tongue might also get swollen and get in the way while eating or speaking.
Related Article: Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery – Preparation, Cost and Recovery
4. Facial Swelling
Pain, pressure, and overcrowding in the mouth can cause swelling of the jaw. The swelling can also be visible in the cheekbones and other areas with or without pain.
5. Bad Breath
Wisdom teeth during eruption can cause pockets in the back of the mouth that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.
As a result, bacteria can build up there rapidly. This might lead to a bad taste or bad breath.
6. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Eating
A stiff jaw can be a result of wisdom teeth coming in and making it difficult to eat.
One might constantly bite down on the tongue or the inside of the cheek because the wisdom teeth have moved the others out of alignment. Or it might simply be too painful to eat.
7. When The Dentist Suggests It
Sometimes the symptoms may be very trivial or one may not have felt them at all.
However, it’s important to listen to your dentists as they might spot the first signs of wisdom teeth coming through or foresee the apparent problems that you might not have felt as yet.
Doctor’s Note
Now that you know the symptoms to watch out for wisdom teeth eruption, the good news is you don’t have to live with this.
If you have felt your wisdom teeth coming through or it’s been noticed during another check-up, it is advisable to listen to the professional if they say you should consider having them removed.
Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistry says that wisdom teeth extraction is a minor surgery with a very low risk of complications, so you have no reason to worry if your dentist suggests it to you.
The complications otherwise may outweigh the slight discomfort of the surgery. For any kind of dental emergency, feel free to contact us online or call the office.
