Wisdom teeth are the last molars that come in during the late teen or early adult years. As these teeth erupt, they can cause swelling, pain and discomfort. Understanding when this swelling starts is important for managing the condition and reducing any associated symptoms. This article will provide an overview of when swelling from wisdom teeth can start and what to do if it does.Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. They are also known as third molars and usually come in between the ages of 17 to 25. Wisdom teeth can be problematic if they become impacted, which means they don’t have enough room to erupt properly. If wisdom teeth are not extracted, they can cause pain, swelling and infection of the gums around them.
Signs and Symptoms of Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Swollen gums around the wisdom teeth area can be a sign that the wisdom teeth are starting to come in. Some people may experience swollen gums along with tenderness in the area, which can make it difficult to open the mouth wide. Other people may experience a fever, jaw pain, and difficulty swallowing or breathing due to swelling. Additionally, you may notice a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath. This is caused by food particles becoming trapped around the wisdom teeth and leading to an infection.
If you are having any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist right away. They can take x-rays of your mouth and determine if your wisdom teeth are coming in or if there is an infection present. If an infection is present, they can prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up before surgery is needed. Your dentist can also provide you with advice on how to manage any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing while waiting for your wisdom teeth to come through.
Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Swelling around the wisdom teeth is a common issue that many people experience. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes of swelling from wisdom teeth:
Infection – When a wisdom tooth is impacted, bacteria can get trapped near the tooth and cause an infection. This can lead to swelling and pain, as well as other symptoms such as fever, bad breath, and difficulty chewing.
Cysts – Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form around impacted wisdom teeth. They can cause swelling and discomfort, as well as other symptoms such as jaw pain.
Gum disease – Periodontal disease or gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause inflammation and swelling around the affected area.
Trauma – Trauma to the jaw or face area can cause swelling in the wisdom teeth region. This could be due to an injury or even just grinding your teeth at night unknowingly.
Tumors – Tumors in the mouth or jaw area can put pressure on wisdom teeth, leading to swelling or other symptoms like pain or difficulty chewing.
It’s important to get any persistent swelling around your wisdom teeth checked out by a dentist so they can determine what’s causing it and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
When Does Swelling From Wisdom Teeth Start?
Swelling from wisdom teeth usually begins around the age of 17-25. This is when the third set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth, begin to erupt through the gums and can cause inflammation. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with wisdom teeth so that you can seek treatment if necessary. Common signs of wisdom teeth swelling include tenderness or pain in the gums, redness, swelling, bad breath, and jaw stiffness. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental complications such as infection or abscesses.
It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms associated with wisdom teeth swelling. The dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays if necessary to determine if your wisdom teeth are causing the swelling. Depending on the extent of your condition, they may recommend removing one or more of your wisdom teeth in order to reduce pain and prevent further complications.
Although it is normal for some level of discomfort when wisdom teeth start to come in, severe pain or swelling should not be ignored. If you experience any concerning symptoms such as fever or difficulty opening your mouth, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified dentist in order to avoid any potential complications.
Diagnosis of Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
The diagnosis of swelling from wisdom teeth is typically made during a dental exam. During this exam, the dentist will take a look at the teeth and gums to determine if there is any swelling or tenderness. They may also use x-rays to check for any signs of infection or other issues in the area. If there is any suspicion of an infection, they may order further tests such as a CT scan or MRI to get a better look at the area. In some cases, the dentist may also take a sample of fluid from the area to test for bacteria or other organisms that could be causing the swelling.
Treatment for Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Treatment for swelling caused by wisdom teeth depends on what is causing it. If it is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear it up. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend extraction of the wisdom teeth if they are causing difficulty in chewing or if they are causing pain and discomfort in the area. Other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. If the swelling is not caused by an infection, then home remedies such as warm compresses and saltwater rinses can help reduce swelling and provide relief from discomfort.
Home Remedies for Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Swelling after wisdom teeth extraction is normal and can be managed with home remedies. It is important to note that the swelling usually peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery, so it is important to begin home treatment at the earliest. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for reducing swelling from wisdom teeth:
Ice Packs
Applying ice packs on the affected area helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel and place it on your cheek near where the surgery was performed. Leave it for 10 minutes and then take it off for another 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle several times throughout the day for best results.
Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water several times a day helps reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow or gargle with this mixture as salt water can be dehydrating.
Elevate Your Head
It is important to keep your head elevated while you sleep during recovery to help reduce swelling from wisdom teeth extraction. Use an extra pillow or two to keep your head above your heart while sleeping, as this will help reduce blood flow to the affected area and minimize swelling.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth extraction. Make sure to follow dosage instructions on the bottle for safest results.
Soft Foods
Eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, soup, eggs, etc., can help reduce pain from swollen gums after wisdom tooth extraction. Soft foods are easy to chew and swallow, so they put less strain on already swollen gums during recovery.
Complications of Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Swelling is a common side effect associated with wisdom teeth, and it can cause a variety of complications if left unchecked. If the swelling is severe, it can lead to facial deformity, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, and even infection. The condition can also cause pain and discomfort in the jaw area. In some cases, the swelling may be accompanied by bleeding or pus discharge.
If the swelling persists for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. This is especially true if there is an accompanying fever or difficulty in opening the mouth. A physician can diagnose the underlying cause of the swelling and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatment for wisdom tooth-related swelling typically involves medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, surgical removal of the affected tooth may be necessary to fully resolve the problem. If infection is present, drainage may be necessary to reduce inflammation and heal tissue damage.
It is important to monitor any symptoms associated with wisdom tooth-related swelling closely and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment of any complications are essential to prevent further issues from arising.
Prevention of Swelling from Wisdom Teeth
Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing swelling from wisdom teeth. It is important to brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth clean and healthy. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can help reduce the chance of infection and inflammation that can lead to swelling. Additionally, it is important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. During these visits, your dentist will be able to monitor the health of your wisdom teeth as well as identify any potential problems before they become serious.
It is also important to maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy diet can help ensure that your body is getting all of the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy and strong. Eating foods that are high in fiber can also help reduce inflammation in the mouth which can help prevent swelling from wisdom teeth.
If you do experience any swelling or pain related to your wisdom teeth, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can provide appropriate treatment. This may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery depending on the severity of the problem. Following all instructions provided by your dentist and continuing with good oral hygiene will greatly reduce the chances of experiencing swelling from wisdom teeth in the future.
In addition, avoiding hard or crunchy foods such as chips or nuts may also help prevent further damage or irritation to your wisdom teeth. Also, applying an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your face where you are experiencing pain may help reduce inflammation and swelling caused by wisdom teeth.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to effectively manage any discomfort caused by swollen wisdom teeth while reducing the risk of further problems in the future.
Conclusion
The swelling from wisdom teeth may start several days after the surgery is complete, and it can last for up to a week. It is important to note that this swelling is normal and should not be worrisome. However, if the swelling persists longer than expected or becomes more severe, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is also important to take proper care of the area after surgery and follow all instructions given by the doctor. Taking pain medication as needed can help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with swelling.
In conclusion, understanding when swelling from wisdom teeth starts can help people prepare for what to expect after surgery. Taking preventative steps such as taking pain medication and caring for the area properly can help reduce discomfort associated with this swelling. It is important to remember that any persistent or worsening symptoms should be reported to a doctor right away in order to ensure that recovery continues in a safe manner.