Are you experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth? Perhaps a dull ache or a feeling of pressure? Often appearing in our late teens or early twenties, wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that can cause various complications if they don’t have enough space to erupt properly. This can lead to a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms, even pain that radiates to other parts of your mouth and head.
Knowing the signs can help you seek timely treatment and avoid potential complications down the line.
When Wisdom Teeth Become a Pain: Understanding the Signs
While some people experience no problems with their wisdom teeth, many experience discomfort or even pain as these teeth try to emerge. So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth are causing trouble? Let’s explore some telltale signs that you should remove wisdom teeth:
1. Pain in the Back of Your Mouth
This is often the first, and most obvious, of the signs. You might feel a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain that comes and goes. The back of your mouth might feel tender to the touch, and the pain might intensify while chewing.
2. Swollen, Tender, or Bleeding Gums
As your wisdom teeth push through the gums, they can irritate the surrounding tissue, causing swelling, tenderness, and even bleeding. If your gums in the back of your mouth are inflamed, red, or bleed easily when you brush or floss, it might indicate a problem with your wisdom teeth. This can be incredibly painful and interfere with your oral hygiene routine.
3. Jaw Stiffness and Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
When wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they don’t have enough room to emerge properly), they can push on your other teeth. This can cause a misalignment that affects your jaw. This can lead to stiffness, pain when you try to open your mouth wide, and even clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
4. Recurring Sinus Issues
Believe it or not, problems with your wisdom teeth, particularly the upper ones, can actually lead to sinus issues. The pain from impacted upper wisdom teeth can radiate towards the sinuses, causing pressure, congestion, and headaches. These issues can resemble sinus infections.
5. Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create small flaps of gum tissue around them. Food and bacteria can easily get trapped under these flaps. This makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and leads to persistent bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, it can be difficult to clean these areas effectively. If you find that your breath is consistently bad, your teeth located in the back of your mouth may be the culprit.
6. Shifting Teeth or Crowding
Your wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, and sometimes there simply isn’t enough room in your jaw to accommodate them. When teeth start to grow in, a lack of space can cause your other teeth to shift and crowd, potentially affecting your bite. This may even require orthodontic treatment to correct.
7. Frequent Cavities or Infections Near the Back of Your Mouth
When wisdom teeth partially erupt or become impacted, they create hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean properly. This can lead to an accumulation of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and infections in those areas, including a serious dental issue called pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding a wisdom tooth, often caused by impacted wisdom teeth. Be sure to consult a medical professional if you think you are experiencing this.
Don’t Ignore the Signs: The Importance of Early Detection
Recognizing the signs is important. Addressing these signs as early as possible allows for a less complicated tooth extraction and a faster healing process. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and take x-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth. They will also discuss the best course of action for you.
FAQs about Wisdom Teeth Removal Signs
What does an impacted wisdom tooth feel like?
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a variety of sensations, making it tricky to self-diagnose. You might feel pain at the back of your mouth, tenderness in your jaw, or a persistent ache that radiates to your ear. Some people describe it as a feeling of pressure or tightness, and the gums pain can be unbearable.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are infected?
Besides pain, other signs can indicate an infection. Red, swollen gums near the back of your mouth, a bad taste or smell in your mouth, and even swollen lymph nodes in your neck are potential indicators. You might also experience difficulty swallowing or even have a fever. If you have jaw pain in conjunction with any of these symptoms, you may want to visit an oral surgeon to get your teeth checked out.
When should I see a dentist?
It’s always a good idea to consult your dentist if you are experiencing unusual pain or discomfort, especially if the pain persists. For wisdom tooth related issues, especially when accompanied by symptoms of infection, such as fever or difficulty swallowing, seeking prompt dental attention is crucial. Ignoring problems with wisdom teeth can lead to complications, including more invasive procedures and gum disease down the line. Your oral surgeon may suggest dental implants depending on the removal recovery.
Paying attention to wisdom teeth removal signs and addressing them early is a smart approach. Seeking timely treatment from your dentist can help you avoid complications and keep those pearly whites healthy.
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information about wisdom teeth and related dental concerns for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon before making any decisions regarding wisdom teeth removal or other dental procedures. The author(wellhealthorganic) does not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes of the information provided. We do not guarantee the effectiveness of any treatments or recommendations mentioned in this article. The details shared are for knowledge only, and we are not responsible for any issues that may arise from its interpretation or application.
