Posted 4 years ago 3 Minute(s) to read
Your wisdom teeth are the four posterior teeth or the back molars found on each side of your upper and lower jaws, and are the last teeth to come through in your mouth. People generally receive their wisdom teeth in their late teen years or during their twenties. While some people receive their wisdom teeth with no symptoms at all, it can be an uncomfortable situation for others.
So how do I know if I’m getting my wisdom teeth?
- You may start to notice some gum or jaw pain which will give an aching sensation. It will give you a feeling of pressure or a dull throbbing at the back of your jaw bone.
- You may also notice swelling or redness around the area where the wisdom teeth are coming though. You will probably notice this with your tongue and it may become more difficult to chew or swallow food.
- The feeling when your wisdom teeth come through is not unlike other pain you would feel when a tooth comes through. However, wisdom teeth can be more susceptible to other issues and infections so the pain can sometimes be much worse.
What can I do right now?
When you start to notice your wisdom teeth coming through, it is best to book in to see your dentist as soon as you can, particularly if you are in a lot of pain. But before you see your dentist, here are some things you can do to limit the pain you experience.
- Ibuprofen: When you have to go to work or you have other things you need to do, the last thing you want is to be suffering from mouth pain. Ibuprofen can bring you immediate relief to help you get through the day. Of course, talk to your pharmacist about dosage.
- Cloves and Cloves Oil: A natural remedy and one the Mayo Clinic suggests is to take a whole clove and place it in your mouth, directly where you are receiving pain. You can do the same thing with clove oil by dabbing it on the affected area with some cotton wool.
- Antiseptic Mouthwash: Antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash is great for treating and preventing infections and pain. If you don’t have any mouthwash at home, you can gargle using salt in warm water.
- Benzocaine: Rubbing a gel-based numbing cream on the area where your teeth are aching will help to relieve the pain. You can reapply this throughout the day as needed.
Will I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
While every person’s situation is different, most people will opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Your wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they come in at an angle which may distort the proper alignment of your bite and smile. Wisdom teeth can cause many different issues for your teeth so it is best to have them assessed by your dentist to decide whether or not you will need to have them removed.
If you are suffering symptoms or think your wisdom teeth might be coming through, contact us today to have an assessment of your teeth. If you want any further information about extractions of wisdom teeth, find it here.
Your wisdom teeth are the last remaining teeth to emerge in your mouth. Usually, wisdom teeth begin to erupt around the ages of 17-24. For some people, these adult molars may never appear, or they may grow in without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth have the potential to create complications under the gum lines, which may lead to infections and other health-related issues. Such cases often necessitate extraction. So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in?
First Signs Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming In
One of the telltale signs that your wisdom teeth are beginning to emerge is feeling tenderness or discomfort around the back of your mouth. This can either be on both sides of your mouth, or just one side. You may also notice that your gums are swollen.
Another sign that your wisdom teeth have arrived is the onset of headaches. When wisdom teeth become trapped under the gums, there is a buildup in pressure, which can trigger headaches. Some people already experience frequent headaches; thus, allowing any wisdom teeth pain to go unnoticed. Always attend regular check-ups with your dentist so they can monitor the condition of your oral health and help determine the source of any pains.
Other common signs that your wisdom teeth are emerging include:
- Bleeding or tender gums;
- Swelling of the gums or jaw;
- Jaw pain;
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth; and/or
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
As wisdom teeth begin to erupt, sometimes only part of the tooth will emerge, making gum tissue susceptible to infections. Food may get lodged in tiny openings, becoming difficult to remove even with flossing and brushing. This can escalate into a serious infection known as pericoronitis, which is often both uncomfortable and painful, especially if left untreated.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it might be time to contact your general dentist or our team at Boise Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. We can determine whether you need your wisdom teeth removed. Even if you are not experiencing pain or other symptoms, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent problems in the future.
Practicing good oral hygiene may temporarily relieve pain, but ignoring the symptoms altogether will put your oral health at serious risk. For other questions regarding wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extraction, consult our guide to wisdom teeth removal.
Dr. Jeffrey Scott Bobst is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with board certifications from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He and his staff make it a point to treat each patient as their own person with specific oral health needs. We’ll work with you to create a treatment and post-operative plan that makes the most sense for you. We don’t just work with wisdom teeth. We’re also proficient in a number of procedures, such as bone grafting, corrective jaw strategy, and oral pathology screening.
If you have any remaining questions, or would like to request an appointment, get in touch with us.