Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to erupt in the mouth at the very back from around ages 17 to 25
What are the signs of wisdom teeth coming?
- Redness and swelling behind the second molars
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Facial pain due to pressure on the nerves
- Trismus (difficulty opening the mouth)
- Tender white flecks behind last molars
These symptoms don’t always happen ge ung and to some may be only one or two.
When you get these symptoms please treat the symptoms and have your dentist check the area and give recommendations because tooth erup tion is a normal body physiology,
Wisdom teeth eruption can cause complications because they often fack enough space to occupy hence may erupt in absurd locations causing pain and injury to other teeth and its surroundings. Some individuals also never develop wisdom teeth.
How to cure for wisdom teeth
- Keep proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing (check our brochure on proper brushing and flossing techniques)
- Use anti bacterial mouth wash
- Treat any symptoms that may arise due to the eruption
- Incase of severe pain, the tooth is to be re moved by the dentists
Wisdom teeth are normally associated with impactions and pericoronitis.
Impaction
This is a condition where a tooth fails to fully grow out of the gums or grow’s partially This happens for various reasons like, Not enough room for the tooth due to small jaw length or over crowded teeth.
Pericoronitis
This is swelling and infection of the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth. Its most common in the lower third molars (wisdom teeth)
what are the signs of pericoronitis?
- Swollen gum around the tooth
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty talking and eating
- Pain and discomfort
- Fever and sometimes discharge of pus
The major cause of pericoronitis is Poor oral hygiene that allows bacteria to build up around the poorly erupted teeth.
Management of pericoronitis
- Warm water salt rinse helps in mild cases and can be done at home
- Over the counter pain relievers to manage discomfort and pain
- Use of mouth washes especially anti bacterial ones
- Surgical flap removal by a dentist
- Extraction of wisdom teeth by the dentist
Pericoronitis can be acute or chronic. It can also be recurrent depending on the individual.
FAQ
Should I remove my wisdom teeth?
- Yes especially if the conditions discussed are recurrent
My last molar grew and stopped halfway, No pain whatsoever?
- With good oral hygiene, most dental prob lems are avoided including the ones that come with wisdom teeth.
Am 25 I don’t have wisdom teeth?
- It’s a common phenomenon not to grow the last molars however you need to do an x-ray to make sure its not buried within the bone.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
- We have them because of our ancestors who needed more teeth to eat harder foods
Please contact us for any questions and be sure to comment.
Thank you
References
American academy of oral and maxillofacial
surgeon American dental association
Oral health foundations
wikipedia