Have you ever wondered where wisdom teeth got their name?
Wisdom teeth are a set of molars that typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. They were dubbed “wisdom teeth” because they appear much later in life than our first two sets of molars, at a time when we are apparently wiser. Do they make you wiser? Well that’s up for debate – ask anyone who has looked back on their late teens and early 20’s and questioned their own fashion and lifestyle choices.
The first signs of wisdom teeth
If you’re around the ages of 17 to 25, haven’t had your wisdom teeth previously extracted and you’re feeling discomfort or irritation, especially at the back of your mouth or around the jaw and face, it could be your wisdom teeth.
The first signs of wisdom teeth needing some attention may be discomfort and the feeling of the top molars cutting through the gums. Just like a baby teething, you may have tender, bleeding gums and could feel the sharp part of the tooth where it had broken through the skin. Sometimes people also experience swelling around the face and gums, and find it difficult to open their mouth wide.
Sometimes people can even see or feel parts of the wisdom teeth protruding through the gum, this is another good sign that it’s time to visit your dentist and check out what’s going on.
Complications of wisdom teeth
Historically, wisdom teeth were helpful as they would come in later in life, often protruding on an angle which would push other, perhaps less viable, teeth out of the way. Four brand new teeth to see you through the rest of your life-what could go wrong? Fast forward to our modern world-we have better dental hygiene, a diet which is easier on the teeth, people live longer and generally still have a set of healthy teeth by the time they reach 17 to 21 years of age, meaning wisdom teeth can be painful and surplus to requirements.
Because their original purpose was to push other teeth out of the way, wisdom teeth are often impacted. For me, my top two wisdom teeth were coming down on an angle, and, with other healthy molars in the way, there simply wasn’t the space for them to break all the way through the gums. The bottom wisdom teeth were positioned completely flat along my jawline, lying on their sides as if they were taking a nap.
Impaction and overcrowding are common problems with wisdom teeth, and may warrant removal. Most people simply don’t have room in their mouth to accommodate four new teeth. Things can become problematic when wisdom teeth only partially break through the gum, allowing bacteria to collect under the gum line which can lead to infection. If untreated, infected gums can cause gum disease, abcesses and decay in the surrounding teeth. If the flap of skin partially covering a wisdom tooth becomes infected, this can lead to a condition called Pericoronitis.
Managing emerging wisdom teeth
Here are some preventive measures and oral hygiene practices to help manage troublesome wisdom teeth…
- Keep your teeth and gums clean with regular brushing and flossing
- Try over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol to manage discomfort
- Try a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of salt, swished around the mouth
- Try a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine which can help to kill bacteria in the mouth
For some, wisdom teeth come through without any issues and the above home treatments and practices are all that’s required-lucky! Speaking of luck, research suggests that up to 37% of us are born without wisdom teeth at all! But if home treatments are not working and your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, they’re impacted or your mouth is overcrowded (or all of the above) they may need to be removed. The best way to find out what’s going on with your wisdom teeth is to visit your dentist and get an x-Ray.
Wisdom teeth removal
There are different options available for wisdom teeth removal. This depends on the position of the teeth and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your dentist will be able to talk you through the different options to support you through the process, and help you to have a smooth recovery.
Lillybrook Dental can help. Visit our Wisdom Teeth Removal page for more information about Wisdom Teeth treatment at Lillybrook, and to book an appointment.
Disclaimer:
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you to confirm if this treatment is right for you.
References:
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash. Accessed Friday 10th May 2024 from https://www.healthline.com/health/chlorhexidine-mouthwash
Congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia): A review of the literature concerning the etiology, prevalence, risk factors, patterns and treatment. Accessed Friday 10th May 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336964/
Recognising the Symptoms of Pericoronitis. Accessed Friday 10th May 2024 from https://www.healthline.com/health/pericoronitis
Wisdom Teeth. Accessed Friday 10th May 2024 from https://www.dentalhealth.org/wisdom-teeth#:~:text=What%20can%20I%20do%20to,areas%20your%20toothbrush%20cannot%20reach.
