Think your wisdom teeth might be coming through? This is the place for you.
In this article we discuss everything you need to know about wisdom teeth – from their purpose to signs they’re becoming an issue – and how Bald Hills Dental can help.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are, essentially, an extra set of back molars which tend to grow in when you reach puberty, and be troublesome well into your early 20s. While they don’t really serve much of a purpose now, they were necessary in the early stages of human evolution, when knives and forks weren’t a thing.
Not everyone will grow wisdom teeth and while it is common to have issues when they do appear, that’s not always the case.
Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth (& Signs They’re Coming)
Impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth can cause a number of dental issues, largely because they don’t have the room to move and grow in your mouth.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the most prevalent signs your wisdom teeth are coming through and the problems they can cause.
Pain in & Around Mouth
If you’re over the age of 16 and experiencing pain in and around your mouth, you may be experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. This is especially the case if you have trouble opening your mouth (or doing so is painful).
Bad Taste in Mouth
Constantly have a bad taste in your mouth, even after following good oral hygiene routines, including flossing and using mouthwash? The problem could lie in the growth of your wisdom teeth.
Swollen, Bleeding Gums or Sores
Swollen, bleeding gums or sores in your mouth are often common signs that you have a serious issue with your teeth, which is why it should be addressed quickly. Just one of the causes of swollen, bleeding gums or sores is that your wisdom teeth are growing.
Fever
Just as babies do when they’re teething, you may develop a fever when your wisdom teeth are coming through.
Cysts
Cysts are a clear indication that you may have issues with your wisdom teeth. This is because the gums cannot make room for the impacted teeth, and it causes infection.
Infection from abscesses and cysts can cause other more severe problems if left untreated, which is why it’s so important to have your teeth checked regularly.
Can You Keep Wisdom Teeth if They Aren’t Painful?
Not everyone experiences pain if or when their wisdom teeth come through. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t have them removed. Even if they aren’t causing you pain, the presence of wisdom teeth can cause other issues such as:
– receding gums
– swelling gums or cheeks
– tooth decay
– loose or cracked teeth
– dry mouth
– damage to previous dental work
– pericoronitis
Because of the location of wisdom teeth, they are extremely hard to clean, which makes them prone to infection and decay. As such, most dentists will recommend extraction. This can be completed at your clinic, but in some cases day surgery (in a hospital) may be required.
How Bald Hills Dental Can Help
At Bald Hills Dental, we specialise in a range of general dentistry and orthodontic services, and can advise you on improving your oral health.
We’re committed to making our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their dental check ups or procedures and take extra care with children or those who find themselves anxious with the process.
Having trouble with your wisdom teeth? Book an appointment with one of our experienced dental professionals today.