You must have seen some children (not all) happy to lose their teeth because they are about to get a surprise from the tooth fairy in return for their teeth. Gradually, your child’s permanent teeth will grow in, and we hope they will be happy to have them for a lifetime. But the news of a wisdom tooth coming in is full of terror for teenagers and adults. This is because wisdom teeth often erupt impacted, which can cause several oral issues like pain, inflammation, cyst formation, or misalignment of adjacent teeth. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 million third molars (wisdom teeth) are extracted from approximately 5 million people in the United States each year at an annual cost of over $3 billion. Many dental professionals emphasize removing wisdom teeth before the full eruption. If you’re one of those waiting for your third molars to grow, monitor these 5 signs to know if your wisdom teeth are coming in anytime soon.
What Are Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last four teeth to come in on both sides of your mouth, upper and lower jaws. The third molars usually grow when a person is between the ages of 17-21, which is later than all of their other teeth have arrived. Wisdom teeth can take years to fully come through, but some may never erupt at all.
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that are coming in at side angles, don’t fully erupt through the gums, or stay under the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe dental health problems such as cysts, infection, gum disease, and pericoronitis.
Sometimes a wisdom tooth grows at such an angle that it may cut your cheeks or tongue. Sadly, there’s nothing you can do about the pain of wisdom teeth cutting through your cheeks or tongue. For quick relief, you can apply a hot compress or use OTC pain relievers. The permanent solution is to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
What Does It Feel Like When Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
Here are some common symptoms that tell your wisdom teeth are emerging:
- Pain and Swelling in the Gums: One of the very first signs of wisdom teeth coming in is pain and swelling in the gums. This is felt in the area behind the second molars because that’s the place of your wisdom tooth. If you closely examine your gums in the mirror, you may also be able to see redness around the eruption site which may make chewing or speaking difficult. Slight irritation in the gums may also be felt.
- Aches and Pains: When a wisdom tooth is growing, it often results in minor pain close to the jaw’s back, and for some individuals, the pain can turn severe and persistent.
- Inflammation of gum tissue: is termed pericoronitis in dental means. The pain should subside after some time, but consult your dentist right away if it lasts for more than 3-4 days.
- Jaw Pain and Discomfort: If your wisdom teeth are coming in restricted or misaligned ways, it exerts pressure on the sinuses, jawline, and nearby teeth, sometimes even leading to recurring headaches. You’ll likely experience soreness, muscle tension, and pain. This pain becomes more severe when the erupting wisdom teeth press on nerves and bone.
- Tiny White Protrusion: If you notice a white material popping out of your gum line behind the second molars, take a sigh of relief as this clearly indicates your wisdom teeth are coming in.
If you’re not ready to visit your dentist, but the pain is making your days miserable, these 20 effective home treatments can help you find emergency relief from wisdom tooth pain and discomfort.
How Do You Know If Wisdom Teeth Have Come Through?
- Open your mouth widely and examine the gum line behind the second molars. If you see the white cap or top surface of the tooth appearing, congratulations! Your wisdom teeth have erupted.
- Another way to check for a third molars eruption is to touch your tongue behind the second molars and feel the wisdom teeth.
- The best way to know if your wisdom teeth have come through and what their condition is, ask your dentist during the regular visits.
What Should You Do If Your Wisdom Teeth Start Coming Through?
If you or your younger one have wisdom teeth coming, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist at Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics.
Should I let my wisdom teeth erupt?
If your wisdom teeth are coming in an upright and functional position and you aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort, you don’t need an extraction. However, impacted wisdom teeth can cause excruciating pain and hinder proper oral hygiene leading to other dental issues, and should be removed.
Their roots are less developed before your kid hits 20, making it easier to extract wisdom teeth. Therefore, we recommend not waiting too long to contact your oral surgeon if third molar-related pain is disturbing you or your teenager.