Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, often between the ages of 17 and 25. While wisdom teeth are a natural part of dental development, they can sometimes cause various dental problems that may affect both the teeth and overall oral health.
In this article, we will explore how wisdom teeth can lead to other dental issues, the symptoms to watch for, and how to manage these problems. Understanding the potential complications associated with wisdom teeth can help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back corners of your mouth. They are the final teeth to emerge, usually around the age of 17 or later. Many people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer, or even none at all. These teeth are remnants of human evolution, when our ancestors required more teeth for chewing tough food. However, in modern times, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for most people’s diets.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
While wisdom teeth were useful to early humans, they can often become a problem in today’s world. Most people’s mouths are not large enough to accommodate these extra teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth may emerge improperly or not at all. This can lead to a variety of dental complications that can affect other teeth, gums, and oral health.
Common Dental Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to emerge properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at odd angles, sometimes horizontally or sideways. This can cause them to push against adjacent teeth, which can lead to misalignment or crowding of the teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may even become trapped beneath the gum line, causing further complications.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection in the gums. If left untreated, impacted teeth can result in more serious problems, such as abscesses or damage to the surrounding teeth.
Infection and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth, especially if they are partially erupted, can create spaces between the tooth and the gum tissue. These gaps are ideal places for bacteria to accumulate. As a result, wisdom teeth can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections and inflammation in the gums. This condition is known as pericoronitis.
Pericoronitis can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness around the impacted wisdom tooth. In severe cases, it can lead to the formation of an abscess, a painful pocket of pus that requires medical intervention to drain. Gum disease may also develop around wisdom teeth, causing further complications such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and discomfort.
Tooth Decay
When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can be difficult to clean properly. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are often hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Plaque can accumulate on the surface of the tooth, leading to cavities.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, making it harder to keep the area clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay in those teeth as well. Untreated tooth decay can lead to further damage, such as tooth infection or even the need for tooth extraction.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can apply pressure on the teeth next to them, leading to damage. This pressure can cause misalignment or shifting of the nearby teeth. In some cases, the pressure may even result in the erosion of the adjacent tooth’s enamel, making it more vulnerable to cavities or other damage. This can be especially problematic if the wisdom tooth is growing in a sideways or horizontal direction.
As the wisdom tooth continues to push against the neighboring teeth, it may also increase the risk of bite problems, such as malocclusion. Malocclusion occurs when the teeth do not fit together properly when you bite down. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even jaw problems over time.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Problems
Pain and Swelling
One of the most common signs that wisdom teeth may be causing problems is pain or swelling around the back of the mouth. If a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, it can cause discomfort that may radiate to the surrounding teeth, jaw, and even the ear. This pain may be constant or intermittent, depending on the severity of the problem.
Swelling in the gum area surrounding the wisdom tooth is another sign that there may be an issue. Swelling can be accompanied by redness and tenderness, especially when you touch or apply pressure to the area.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth
When wisdom teeth cause problems such as infections or inflammation, they may make it difficult to open your mouth fully. This is because the pain or swelling in the area can restrict the movement of the jaw. In some cases, you may also experience difficulty chewing or speaking normally due to the discomfort caused by the wisdom teeth.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
An infection around the wisdom tooth, such as pericoronitis, can cause foul-smelling breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The bacteria trapped around the tooth can lead to bad breath, and the infection may also cause a bad taste in your mouth, even if you maintain good oral hygiene. If the infection is not treated, the odor may become more noticeable and persistent.
Jaw Stiffness
If your wisdom teeth are causing damage to the surrounding teeth or jaw, you may experience stiffness in your jaw. This is particularly common if the wisdom tooth is impacted or misaligned, as it can place pressure on the jaw joint. Over time, this pressure may result in a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which can cause pain, difficulty chewing, and other jaw-related problems.
Managing Wisdom Teeth Problems
Regular Dental Checkups
The best way to prevent wisdom teeth from causing problems is to have regular dental checkups. Your dentist will monitor the growth and positioning of your wisdom teeth, especially if they are emerging or becoming impacted. X-rays may be taken periodically to assess the position of the teeth and to detect potential issues before they become serious.
If your dentist determines that your wisdom teeth are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future, they may recommend removal. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be extracted before they cause significant damage or complications.
Tooth Extraction
When wisdom teeth become problematic, the most effective solution is often to remove them. Tooth extraction is a common procedure, and most patients recover quickly after the surgery. Depending on the severity of the issue, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for the extraction. Removal of wisdom teeth is generally recommended if they are causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Pain Management
If you experience pain or discomfort due to wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend pain management strategies such as over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses. In cases of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce the infection before treatment or extraction.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can cause a range of dental problems, including infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. While not everyone will experience issues with their wisdom teeth, it is important to be aware of the potential complications. Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring the health of your wisdom teeth and addressing any problems early on. In many cases, the extraction of problematic wisdom teeth can prevent further complications and protect the overall health of your smile. If you experience any symptoms such as pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, consult your dentist to determine the best course of action.
Related topics:
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow So Late in Life?
Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction So Expensive?
Should I Worry About Wisdom Teeth Coming in Sideways?
