Recognizing & Understanding Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
Is it time to have your wisdom teeth removed? The last set of molars are known as the wisdom teeth. They usually do not come in until the later teenage years or the early twenties. For some people it may be necessary to have these molars removed not long after they arrive. When these teeth are not properly aligned they can become a serious dental issue, causing pain, affecting the positioning of other teeth, and even leading to damage to the jawbone. Recognizing wisdom teeth symptoms is so important for maintaining a healthy set of teeth and preventing future problems. Your dentist will often talk to you about whether these molars should be removed or not before they have the chance to have a negative effect on dental health. If any of the following symptoms start occurring, talk to your dentist right away. The sooner misaligned or impacted molars are removed, the better.
Common Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
When the final molars are misaligned they may be angled towards nearby teeth, away from them, or even inwards. This can lead to crowded teeth and even damage to nearby teeth. As there is less room in between the teeth for brushing and flossing, it is more difficult to remove plaque and to keep the teeth and gums free from debris. Potential wisdom teeth symptoms include gum swelling and redness around crowded teeth. This can mean that there is a gum infection and an increase for tooth decay. Bad breath may become an issue, as well as tender, bleeding gums and pain.
Some people with impacted wisdom teeth may experience headache pain or pain around the jaw area. The pain may at first be transient, but if left untreated it will become more regular. If these symptoms are ignored and poorly aligned wisdom teeth are not removed there is the potential for damage to teeth, nerves and even the jaw. Other teeth may move closer together, leading to more crowding and an uneven set of teeth.
Does Everyone Experience Symptoms?
Everyone does not experience wisdom teeth symptoms, even when they need to be removed. It is also possible to have minor symptoms and not realize that there is a gum infection and that there may be a problem with these molars. The best way to prevent symptoms from ever developing in the first place is to see your dentist regularly. When the final molars come in, make sure you have them looked at. Talk to your doctor about how they are positioned and if removal may be necessary. Removing wisdom teeth when they first come in and when a person is young will result in faster healing and recovery.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and can cause serious problems with dental health such as an infection and damage. If your final molars have come in and you notice these wisdom teeth symptoms, the swollen gums, pain, bleeding or crowded teeth, be sure to see your dentist right away. Many young people today have their last set of molars removed. Removing them before symptoms occur may also save you from future problems with dental health.