First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In: What to Look Out For

The last teeth to grow and the final molars are known as the wisdom teeth. Some individuals might not actually have any problems with their wisdom teeth, and others who have these teeth when they are trying to come out might face severe problems.

That is why knowing about some of the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in will make it possible to timely take necessary measures for the strengthening of your teeth and the prevention of possible complications. The following blog will focus on what wisdom teeth are when they develop, and the signals that imply that they are ready to come out.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and When Do They Erupt?

Understanding Wisdom Teeth Development

Third molars are what people know as wisdom teeth, and these are the last teeth to grow in the mouth. While other permanent teeth come through before the age of 13, wisdom teeth appear much later, between the ages of 17 and 25. As for the wisdom teeth, their appearance can be presented in people with different time indicators or not appear at all.

Common Ages for Wisdom Teeth to Appear

Although the age might differ, most young people experience gum irritation due to the eruption of their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties. In some cases, wisdom teeth can erupt slowly over several months or even several years. It is also common for all four wisdom teeth to appear at once, while others may emerge one at a time.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Coming In

Jaw Pain and Discomfort

The first sign of wisdom teeth coming in is discomfort or pain at the back of your mouth, in the area behind your second set of molars. Pain can be chronic or sporadic and mild to severe. When the wisdom teeth emerge, they can lead to pressure and soreness in the jaw.

Swollen or Red Gums

In the eruption of the wisdom teeth, there may be inflammation, tenderness, and redness of the gum around the location. This inflammation is an expected sign that the tooth exerts effort to come through the gum surface. Occasionally, you may find that the third molar is partially erupted or breaking through the gum line.

Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste in Mouth

Wisdom teeth erupting through the gum may cause small gaps between the gum and the tooth to form, which may harbor bacteria. This buildup could result in foul breath (halitosis) and a terrible taste in the mouth. These problems can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing of the teeth and tongue and proper nutrition.

Ear Pain and Headaches

Notably, the pain and general soreness from the eruption of these particular teeth may spread beyond the oral cavity. People may have a sore throat and sometimes earache on the side of the mouth where the affected tooth is. This happens because the nerves for the jaw movement are located in the ears. Further, pressure and inflammation elicited by the tooth’s eruption may lead to headaches.

Changes in Teeth Alignment

When impacted, the wisdom teeth exert pressure on the other teeth and consequently cause changes in the position of the existing teeth. Some of the signs include feeling that your teeth are crowded or shifting to other positions than they used to be. Sometimes, this shift may be clearly visible to the naked eye, and in other cases, it may only come to one’s realization from your dentist upon an examination.

Common Problems Caused by Emerging Wisdom Teeth

Crowding and Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The most familiar complication that people get to experience with their first signs of wisdom teeth coming in is known as impaction. This occurs where the jaw is too small for the tooth to erupt normally and develops at an abnormal angle or is impounded under the gum line. The roots of the impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the other teeth, squeezing them towards the sides, thus causing some measure of pain.

Risk of Infections and Gum Inflammation

Impacted wisdom teeth may partially emerge from the gum line to form a flap of skin that captures food debris and germs. Cleaning this area can be challenging and might not be adequately done, thus inviting the development of infections such as pericoronitis and inflammation of the gums around the wisdom tooth. Some kinds of infections may cause severe pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and a person’s inability to open his mouth widely.

Cysts or Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Sometimes, when the molars trap food particles and bacteria, they may form cysts or fluid-filled sacs around them. These cysts can expand with time, causing damage to the jaw and its related teeth. Also, the pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can cause root resorption, in which the roots of the neighboring teeth gradually disappear.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Recognizing Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If you still continue to have pain, inflammation, or sensitivity in the back part of your mouth, you should consult your dentist. They can visually examine your mouth and take pictures of it to assess the position and state of your wisdom teeth. It is crucial to note that any changes warranting impacted or problematic wisdom teeth might lead to severe problems in the future.

Preventative Actions to Avoid Complications

While there might be no signs of problems developing, especially in the early stages, you should still get dental checkups done. Your dentist will be able to assess the progress of your wisdom teeth and advise accordingly if they should be removed. It’s essential to have a checkup of your wisdom teeth so that you do not end up having pain, infection, or any other complication.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect

The Evaluation and Consultation Process

If your dentist decides that your wisdom teeth should be extracted, then they will explain the extraction process to you. They will look at where the teeth are located, how hard it will be to remove the teeth, and your general physical health. At times, the dentist may recommend you to an oral surgeon who focuses on the extraction of third molars.

How Wisdom Teeth Extraction Works

The procedure commonly requires the patient to be given local anesthesia to avoid pain while the extraction is being done. In more complicated circumstances, the use of sedation or general anesthesia may be employed.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will then make an incision in the gum tissue in order to expose the tooth. They may require to reshape a little amount of the bone that surrounds the tooth or may need to section the tooth to ease its extraction. After this the area will be rinsed and then stitched to close the wound.

Post-Removal Recovery Tips

It is natural to have a bit of swelling, soreness, and sometimes even slight bleeding after the procedure has been done. Before your operation, your dentist will explain the dos and don’ts you are required to follow, especially during the recovery period. These may include:

·         Use an ice pack for sympathetic areas such as the cheek to reduce its size or swelling.

·         Using pain medication only if it is prescribed by the health care provider.

·         Consuming only semi-solid, tepid meals and excluding any chilled or hot food that has a rough surface or high temperatures.

·         Simply allow warm saline water to rinse the area to maintain its cleanliness.

·         It is advised not to smoke or use a straw, as both may lift the clot and cause a further delay to the healing process.

FAQs About Wisdom Teeth and Early Symptoms

Why Do Only Some People Have Wisdom Teeth?

Some people may have wisdom teeth, while others do not. The number of wisdom teeth can vary; some people can have all four, while others may have none or just a limited number. This variation is basically a genetic factor arising from evolution that has affected the size and shape of the jaws.

Can Wisdom Teeth Erupt Without Any Pain?

It is informative to know that, while the eruption of wisdom teeth does not always result in pain, it is not too frequent. The most common effect is that people will feel some pain as the teeth emerge through the gum line. Any changes or feelings in the back of the mouth must be reported to a dentist if one has any worries.

How Can I Manage Pain at Home Before Seeing a Dentist?

If you’re experiencing pain from emerging wisdom teeth, there are a few things you can do at home to manage the discomfort until you can see your dentist:

·         Readily available painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be consumed.

·         Use a cold pack or crush ice in a plastic bag against the swollen part of your face, preferably outside the cheek.

·         If the gums are slightly inflamed, gargle your mouth with warm salt water to soothe and heal the gums.

·         Do not consume hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that are likely to cause discomfort in the area.

However, it is important to note here that all these are only short-term solutions, and should not in any way substitute a professional assessment and therapy session from your dentist.

Conclusion: Proactive Steps to Take for Healthy Wisdom Teeth

Many people are not aware of how to recognize first signs of wisdom teeth coming in​ and therefore knowing the signs and symptoms can prove to be useful. This is why it is important to pay attention to any changes in dental hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist. If you have any doubts about your wisdom teeth erupting or if they are causing some discomfort, do not wait to call Clove Dental.

Please contact our experienced dentists and oral surgeons so they can assist you in this procedure and give you all the necessary advice. As much as our primary concern is to provide a comfortable environment, advanced techniques are employed to make your visit to get wisdom teeth removed as comfortable as possible. Call us today and schedule an appointment to regain a healthier and more comfortable mouth.