First Signs that your Wisdom Teeth are Starting to Come In

At some point between the late teens and early twenties, most people will grow a third set of molars. These are called wisdom teeth, due to their appearance at a time when we are getting a bit wiser. They will be the last set of adult teeth to emerge. Wisdom teeth are also well-known for the complications they can cause, sending many patients to dental clinics for extraction.

There are times when wisdom teeth can result in pain. So, it’s essential to keep track and check if the teeth will cause any pain. You can visit Smile Well Dental for both tooth extraction and regular checkup on your wisdom teeth.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Each year, dentists remove many wisdom teeth from patients’ mouths. The UK sees 1 million extractions per year, and the US, 5 million. Why then, do we have wisdom teeth in the first place? It seems that early human diets containing tough uncooked foods like roots, nuts, meats, and leaves required these teeth to chew properly. However, as our diets changed, our third molars became unnecessary.

How do wisdom teeth normally develop?

Although they won’t make their appearance known until later, our wisdom teeth begin to grow in childhood. First, the tooth calcifies inside the jaw, eventually growing a crown. Then the root begins to grow longer. Finally, the teeth emerge in adulthood. This process can take many years and it won’t happen at the same time for everyone. Typically, the upper wisdom comes in before the lower set. Men are also more likely to see their wisdom teeth earlier than women.

What are signs that your wisdom teeth are starting to come in?

Most people notice some discomfort when the wisdom teeth begin to emerge. Others don’t have any symptoms at all. An expert dentist can tell you definitively if your wisdom teeth are emerging, using an x-ray. However, there are a few common signs that may precede the eruption of these teeth.

Sign #1 – Irritated gums

As wisdom teeth begin to emerge, it is common for the gum tissue to become enflamed. Food particles can also irritate the area further and add to the unpleasant sensation. Rinsing the area gently with warm salt water may help relieve this discomfort.

Sign #2 – Recurring pain

The pain associated with wisdom teeth is usually infrequent at first, but may become more constant as the tooth grows in. The pain could begin as a dull ache and grow sharper. Keep track of any dental pain you experience and be sure to seek out a local dentist if necessary.

Sign #3 – Redness of the gums

The section of gum where the wisdom teeth are about to erupt may change colour to a dark red or pink. Some may also experience bleeding from the area. Keep this area clean by brushing, but do so gently.

Sign #4 – Partial eruption

It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth to begin protruding slightly before going dormant again. This may leave you with a small piece of tooth sticking out of the gum. It is important to brush this area every day, just as you would a normal tooth.

Sign #5 – Scraping or biting the inside of the cheek

The appearance of new teeth may take some getting used to. Many people find the new molars scraping against the inside of their cheek. Others may accidentally bite their tongue more often.

Sign #6 – Headaches and jaw pain

Some wisdom teeth may be unable to emerge entirely from the gums. These teeth are impacted and may require extraction at a dental office nearby. You will likely notice a building sensation of pressure which can lead to headaches if your wisdom teeth are growing in this way.

Sign #7 – Appearance of a pericoronal flap

If a wisdom tooth emerges at an odd angle, some gum tissue may be left covering it. This is called a pericoronal flap, and may put you at risk for pericoronitis, an infection of the area. Symptoms can include inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath. See a dentist if you think you may be experiencing this symptom.

What kind of problems can impacted wisdom teeth cause?

Not only are impacted wisdom teeth painful to bear, but they can also cause other complications.

Decay

If your wisdom tooth has a partial impaction, there’s a higher chance of tooth decay for the wisdom teeth and surrounding ones. Since it’s harder to clean wisdom teeth properly, bacteria and food can make a nest between the impacted tooth and the gum. We recommend flossing in addition to brushing teeth to reach all corners.

Impact other teeth

While growing, wisdom teeth may push the other teeth. This can misplace the other tooth or make infections even more of a possibility. The tooth area can feel too crowded, and you might ultimately have to get braces to get them aligned again.

Gum disease

Pericoronitis is when your gum tissue inflates or swells painfully. It’s likely to happen on your lower set of teeth, especially if you are developing wisdom teeth. Since you can not clean the already erupted wisdom teeth properly, it leads to this specific type of infection.

Cysts

Though rare, you can develop a benign tumor from your wisdom teeth. When your wisdom teeth occur, it’s inside your jawbone, in a sac. This sac can get fuller with fluid, turning into a cyst. Even if the tumor doesn’t ultimately cause you long-term health problems, it can be painful to live with.

Can you prevent the impaction of wisdom teeth?

While not everyone will face wisdom teeth impaction, it is fairly common. It is not preventible either.

However, via regular dental checkups, your dentist can monitor the health of your wisdom teeth. The X-rays might give a prior indication of impaction before you feel the painful symptoms. Your dentist could work to remove the teeth before it starts hurting then.

If you experience any of the seven signs of wisdom teeth listed, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. However, we will recommend not waiting until the symptoms show up to know if you will grow wisdom teeth. You should always opt for a dental checkup every 6 months. The checkups not only gauge whether your current set of teeth is in good or bad condition, but the doctors can also look for signs of growing teeth.

When you should visit a dentist for wisdom tooth extraction

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms as their wisdom teeth emerge. But if you do experience discomfort and it hurts, book a tooth extraction surgery at the earliest. Since wisdom teeth are an extra set of teeth, removing them doesn’t hurt the setting of your teeth either. it is important to consult a professional dentist for advice on how to proceed. If you live in North Vancouver, come visit Smile Well Dental for a consultation. At the very least get an x-ray done to determine whether or not a wisdom tooth extraction is right for you.