Your third set of molars in the back of your mouth are called the wisdom teeth. While the rest of the permanent teeth will come in during the teenage years, wisdom teeth don’t typically begin to make an appearance until the early 20s. These large teeth are “vestigial,” which means that humans have evolved to no longer need them. In fact, some people don’t develop all four of their wisdom teeth, or sometimes they have none at all! However, most people who do have wisdom teeth have them removed because of their potential to cause oral health problems and discomfort.
The average human’s mouth isn’t large enough to accommodate a third set of molars, so when the wisdom teeth begin to come in, they can cause a bevy of issues. One of which is impaction, where they become stuck in the jaw and unable to emerge from the gumline entirely. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s important that you keep an eye out for warning signs that they could be impacted. Here are the top three signs that you need to visit your dentist about impacted wisdom teeth.
1.) Pain
As you might imagine, it can be uncomfortable to have a tooth try to come in when there’s no room for it. Wisdom tooth pain can manifest in several ways, including:
- Dull, aching soreness in the back of the mouth
- Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth, or while chewing
- Painful gum tissue
- Earache, jaw pain, headaches, and neck/shoulder discomfort
- Facial pain or pain in the sinuses
Remember, the whole body is connected intricately. Extra pressure in the back of your jaw can negatively influence all manner of muscles and joints that are nearby. If you’ve begun to notice any of these symptoms and you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed, it’s time to call your dentist.
2.) Irritated, Swollen Gums
A little bit of swelling in the gums is normal when any teeth come in, but typically, it’s barely noticeable. If you’re being bothered by puffy gums that are swollen, irritated, or bleed easily, especially towards the back of your mouth, it could be due to impacted wisdom teeth. These are also the initial warning signs of gum disease, which impacted wisdom teeth could put you at a higher risk of. When teeth are stuck below the gumline or while partially erupted, they become the perfect place for bacteria to hide. Over time, these particles can infect the gums and lead to this oral health condition. Not only should you see your dentist right away about impacted wisdom teeth if you experience these symptoms, but for gum disease treatment as well!
3.) Chronic Bad Breath or Bad Taste in the Mouth
Does it seem like your breath has been less than fresh lately? Do you notice a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away, even though you brush and floss regularly? As we mentioned above, impacted wisdom teeth create spaces that naturally collect plaque, bacteria, and food debris. These areas can be difficult to clean out, and if these particles linger, they could cause chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Even though it may seem a little silly, it’s very important that you call your dentist right away if you notice this warning sign!
About the Practice
Dr. John White is from Asheville, and he is thrilled to provide his community high-quality, personalized dental care. His commitment to offering the best oral healthcare possible has led him to outfit his practice with state-of-the-art technology and encouraged him to complete more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in advanced topics. Whether you need a simple cleaning or an impacted wisdom tooth removed, he is well-equipped to ensure your treatment is as pleasant as possible. If you have more questions about wisdom teeth, he can be reached via his website or at (828) 684-3020.