9 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming in

When you think of milestones in young adulthood, getting your driver’s licence, graduating high school, and going to college might come to mind. But what about growing your wisdom teeth ? It’s a rite of passage that many of us will experience between the ages of 17 and 25. If you are curious about what to expect, keep reading. We are going to explore the early signs that indicate your wisdom teeth are on their way and when to seek help.

First Signs Of Wisdom Teeth Coming In

You’re young, you’re invincible, and suddenly your mouth starts to hurt. Welcome to the wonderful world of wisdom teeth. These third molars can cause quite a bit of trouble as they make their way through your gums. As such, it is important to recognise the early signs of emerging wisdom teeth so you can take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Swelling and pain in the gums

This is the most common sign of wisdom tooth development. As your wisdom teeth start to emerge, they push against the surrounding gum tissue, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, and may even cause difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking. You may also notice redness and inflammation in the affected area.

Visible signs of a tooth emerging

When the wisdom tooth starts to break through the gum tissue, you may notice bits of the tooth emerging from the gums. This can be both exciting and uncomfortable, as the tooth continues to push through the gum tissue. It’s important to keep the area clean and seek dental advice if you experience any discomfort.

Difficulty opening the mouth

If your newly emerging wisdom tooth becomes infected, you may experience difficulty opening your mouth due to swelling and pain in the jaw.  In more severe cases, the swelling can become so bad that it affects the throat and airway, leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing. Therefore, it is necessary to consult with your dentist if you experience any difficulty opening your mouth, as it can be a sign of a serious infection.

Bad breath or taste in the mouth

A persistent bad taste or odour in the mouth can be a sign of infection around the emerging wisdom tooth. This can occur when bacteria accumulate around the tooth and cause an infection in the surrounding tissue. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent this from occurring.

Headaches or jaw pain

As wisdom teeth develop, they can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding muscles, leading to tension headaches and other types of facial pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm compresses can help alleviate the discomfort, but if the pain persists, it is best to consult a dental practitioner.

Crowding of other teeth

While less common, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause crowding and shifting of the surrounding teeth, affecting your bite and alignment, and leading to difficulty in chewing or speaking.

Changes in bite or alignment

When the newly erupting wisdom teeth don’t have enough space, they can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of position. This shift in tooth alignment can cause changes in your bite, making it difficult to chew or speak properly.

Fever or other signs of infection

Though rare, fever or other signs of infection can occur when a wisdom tooth is emerging and the tissue around the tooth becomes infected. In some cases, you may also notice swollen lymph nodes or pus around the area where the wisdom tooth is emerging. Make sure to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be a sign of a serious infection that requires prompt treatment. Your dentist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, pain medication, or removal of the infected wisdom tooth.

When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

Determining whether or not to extract wisdom teeth can be a daunting decision, but it all starts with a visit to your dentist. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, and several factors come into play when making that decision.

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when:

• They are impacted or partially impacted, causing pain and discomfort
• They are growing in at an awkward angle, causing crowding or shifting of other teeth
• They are causing gum disease or cavities due to difficulty in cleaning
• They are causing recurring infections or abscesses

Wisdom teeth may not need extraction if:

• They have grown in properly and are easily accessible for cleaning
• They are not causing any pain, discomfort, or shifting of other teeth
• They are fully submerged under the bone and gum, and not causing any issues. In this case, regular monitoring with X-rays is recommended to ensure the teeth remain healthy.

It is important to note that every case is different, and a dental practitioner should always be consulted to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Do You Need Help with Your Wisdom Teeth?

Managing wisdom teeth can be a challenging and painful experience for many individuals, but it doesn’t have to be. At Whitehorse Dental, our team is dedicated to providing an attentive level of care for all patients coming in for wisdom teeth removal in Blackburn. Our friendly and compassionate dentists can help guide you through the process and ensure your comfort every step of the way. And with wisdom teeth removal being a common dental procedure in Australia , you can rest assured that you and your oral health are in good hands. So, don’t let wisdom teeth cause you unnecessary pain or worry – book an appointment today and let us help you on your journey to a healthy smile.