Wisdom teeth are additional molars that erupt during our late teens or 20s. However, they don’t really serve any purpose. Moreover, they can create problems by overcrowding and coming in at the wrong angle. You can feel their presence by getting familiar with the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in.
First Signs That Indicate Your Wisdom Teeth Coming In
If you experience the following, it could indicate that your third molars are coming in:
1. Swelling & Irritation in Gums
When your wisdom tooth comes in, the gums behind your second molars will feel irritated and swollen. You will experience discomfort on one or both sides at the back of your mouth.
2. Jaw Pain
Your wisdom teeth will come in with pain, a primary symptom. Experiencing jaw pain is one of the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in. Thus, your jaw will start aching as the wisdom tooth comes in.
3. Headache & Pain in Other Areas
Wisdom teeth can literally be a headache. Sometimes, they put pressure on the nerve. Consequently, you suffer from pain in your head, eye, jaw, and ears. Moreover, an impacted wisdom tooth can build pressure and trigger headaches. Since an impacted wisdom tooth does not erupt, you might not suspect it to be the cause. However, dental examinations and check-ups can spot help wisdom teeth. Therefore, never miss your dentist’s appointment, and make sure to visit them if you notice the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in.
4. Trouble Opening Your Mouth Wide
You might face some difficulty opening your mouth wide when your wisdom teeth are about to erupt. This is because the third molar pushes your other teeth when it comes in, resulting in discomfort and stiffness. Therefore, you can get swollen gums and jaw.
5. Bad Breath
Sometimes, your wisdom tooth does not shoot through the gums. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth, which is hard to clean and can accumulate bacteria. Consequently, you get a foul odor in your mouth. Moreover, it can lead to an infection. Early-stage wisdom tooth infection is usually indicated by pain in the ears, back of the mouth, and near the wisdom tooth or in it.
When Does a Wisdom Tooth Need To Be Removed?
Often, you do not need to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction. However, you will experience much discomfort if your third molar is impacted. In addition, it can lead to other dental problems like infection. Usually, a wisdom tooth extraction is recommended in this case. Thus, schedule regular dental check-ups and X-rays to ensure no complications arise and stop one early on as soon as your dentist detects it.
Drop by your dentist immediately if you observe loose teeth, gum recession, a broken tooth, sores, dry mouth, or any other dental problem.
What Should I Do?
Pain in the jaw and other areas, swollen, red gums, difficulty in opening the mouth wide and bad breath are among the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in. Visit your dentist if you notice any other dental complications. Our expert dental staff at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery can help; just call us at 281-667-0607.