Image source: https://www.odontovida.com/2020/06/8-interesting-facts-about-wisdom-tooth.html

Have you ever experienced pain around a wisdom tooth in the back of your mouth, or heard from your family and friends that wisdom teeth should be removed?

Introduction to Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 18-25. While it is common to have four wisdom teeth, some people may have fewer wisdom teeth or none at all. It is also common for wisdom teeth to be partially impacted (partially covered by gum tissue), fully impacted (completely trapped beneath the gum line and jaw bone), or unerupted (not coming through).

Why Are Some Wisdom Teeth Impacted or Unerupted?

Due to evolutionary changes in human anatomy and dietary habits, more and more wisdom teeth tend to be impacted or unerupted. Our ancestors had larger jaws and diets that required more chewing, making space for the wisdom teeth. However, as our diets started to include more processed foods, our jaws have become smaller and often there is not enough space to fit all wisdom teeth. Additionally, genetic factors, late dental development, direction of growth and crowding can contribute to wisdom teeth impaction.

1. Impaction: one of the most common problems with wisdom teeth is impaction, where these teeth do not have enough space to fully emerge. This can result in pain, infection and damage to neighbouring teeth. 
2. Pericoronitis: inflammation and infection of the gums is common around an impacted wisdom tooth. This occurs when there is plaque and food accumulating around and under the gum of a partially emerged wisdom tooth, causing the gum to be inflamed and tender.
3. Cysts and Tumours: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumours in the jawbone. These growths can cause damage to the surrounding structures and require surgical intervention.
   

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain

• Pain and tenderness around wisdom tooth (at the back of the mouth)
• Pain and difficulty on opening and closing mouth
• Pain on eating
• Swelling and redness around back gums
  

What Should I Do? Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It's important to note that not everyone will experience problems with their wisdom teeth. Whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth removed depends on your symptoms and position of the wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, discomfort, or signs of infection, it's advisable to consult your dentist for assessment and management. A full mouth X-ray, also called an OPG, is recommended to help determine the position of the wisdom teeth, shape and curvature of the roots, and potential risks associated with the removal of wisdom teeth, such as damage to the nerve in the jaw.

To help alleviate any gum soreness around the wisdom teeth, keep the area clean by brushing around the wisdom tooth - sometimes you may find using a small toothbrush more useful! Here’s a handy tip: when brushing around the upper back teeth, you may find it easier by closing your mouth. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthrinse or salt water after meals can help to alleviate the symptoms as well. 

It is worth considering the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, especially if you are experiencing frequent pain, infection and food trapping. Wisdom teeth are often removed in younger people under 30 years as the bone tends to be more elastic which makes extraction easier and often younger people heal more quickly.

Contact our clinic for a wisdom tooth consult for more information or if you are experiencing any issues with the wisdom teeth.