It is believed that our wisdom teeth were actually ‘vestigial third molars’ which assisted our human ancestors grind up plants and other types of edible foliage. Wisdom teeth can occur in young adulthood around the ages of 17 and 22. This can cause a variety of problems, which we will outline below.
Any pain or discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause a large amount of pain and discomfort as they grow. If you have any pain in your jaw or are experiencing any irritation due to your wisdom teeth coming through, then book an appointment with a dental clinic as soon as possible. The dentist will perform an x-ray of your mouth and assess the situation. If they determine extraction is the best option, then they will discuss the process, risks and if general anaesthetic is required.
Experiencing inflamed gums
Apart from causing a large amount of pain, sprouting wisdom teeth can also lead to pericoronitis. This is when the wisdom tooth has sprouted out of the surface of the gums and created a ‘flap’ of tissue next to the wisdom tooth. This is an issue because bacteria and small pieces of food can get stuck under the flap of gum tissue. This also makes it hard to clean the inflamed area.
Having sinus pain
It may seem unrelated at first, but wisdom teeth can also affect your sinus. When they sprout from the upper jaw, wisdom teeth affect your sinus area by putting pressure on the sinus from rubbing and pushing against it. Although it is not particularly common, it can lead to symptoms such as congestion issues, headaches and other forms of general sinus issues.
Noticing tooth decay
Another sign that you need to visit a dentist is if you notice any tooth decay, also known as dental cavities. This is more likely to occur if the wisdom tooth is damaged against the tooth in front of it or is damaged itself. This can cause the tooth decay to spread throughout the tooth and create an abscess at the nerve of the tooth. If this reaches the tooth in front, then it can result in both that tooth and the wisdom tooth needing to be removed.
Trouble opening mouth and bad breath
Having trouble opening your mouth, moving your jaw or experiencing stiffness in your jaw can be related to the wisdom teeth starting to emerge. This can also cause the jaw and gums to become swollen, making it even more difficult to open your mouth fully. Noticing bad breath, also known as halitosis, or having a bad taste in your mouth can indicate that an infection, tooth decay or a cyst is present.
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms or are concerned about the growth of your wisdom teeth and require a dentist, then contact us at Suburban Smiles today.
