Wisdom teeth often bring along pain and swelling. Here are some signs indicating the eruption of wisdom teeth. Keep reading to learn more.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge during early adulthood, usually between the ages of 15 and 25. They are the last set of permanent teeth to develop, appearing after the rest of your teeth have already erupted. However, the growth of wisdom teeth can often lead to overcrowding or a lack of space, resulting in discomfort and various dental issues. This discomfort is often considered one of the most severe dental pains.
Many dentists recommend extracting wisdom teeth before they fully erupt and occupy space in the jaw. The surface of erupting wisdom teeth is termed “eruption.” However, if wisdom teeth only partially emerge, they can cause pain and swelling. Conversely, wisdom teeth that fail to erupt properly are referred to as “impacted.” Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can lead to significant dental problems over time, such as gum disease, cysts, and a higher risk of tooth decay.
The Healthonlyforyou editorial team consulted Dr. Nitya Gupta, BDMS, Assistant at Elite Dental Care in Noida, to learn more about the signs indicating the eruption of wisdom teeth.
Indicators That Your Wisdom Teeth Are Emerging
Wisdom teeth symptoms should always be taken seriously as their severity can vary from person to person, yet the symptoms tend to be quite common. Here are the five primary signs that your wisdom teeth are emerging:
1. Pain
Wisdom teeth typically trigger a dull ache near the back of your jaw. Occasionally, this discomfort can escalate to become frequent and intense. In some instances, wisdom teeth exert pressure on nerves, resulting not only in jaw pain but also discomfort in the eyes, head, and ears. Moreover, as wisdom teeth emerge and exert pressure on nerves and bone, the pain can intensify further. If the pain becomes severe, it’s advisable to seek immediate dental attention.
2. Irritation and Discomfort in the Gums
The sensation of overcrowding in your mouth can lead to discomfort in your gums. Swelling of the tongue may occur, affecting eating and speech. Wisdom teeth often result in mild to severe irritation and discomfort in the gums and adjacent second molars.
3. Redness and Swelling in the Gums
Another prevalent indication of emerging wisdom teeth is redness and swelling in the gums. As the teeth begin to push through, the gums covering them may become red or dark pink in color. This pressure can lead to swelling around the affected area, making tasks like chewing food challenging. Sometimes, the swelling extends to the cheekbones and other surrounding areas, whether accompanied by pain or not.
4. Fever
While uncommon, in severe instances, the eruption of wisdom teeth can induce fever. Typically, if infections reoccur around the wisdom teeth, it’s an indication that they need to be extracted. Fever may occasionally accompany the growth of wisdom teeth, but it’s exceedingly rare and primarily caused by infection rather than the teeth’s growth itself.
5. Bad breath
In some cases, bad breath can also signal the emergence of wisdom teeth. During eruption, wisdom teeth may create gaps in the back of your mouth that are difficult to clean with a regular toothbrush. This can lead to rapid bacterial buildup in the area, resulting in a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
If you or anyone else is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist promptly. Regardless of the severity, wisdom teeth require immediate attention from a dental professional. Wisdom teeth that erupt in a proper position and don’t cause pain typically do not need to be extracted.