Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties, although they can emerge at any age. Knowing whether or not you have wisdom teeth can help you plan for their removal if necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell if you have wisdom teeth and what signs to look out for.Wisdom teeth are the four adult molars located at the back of each side of the mouth. They are the last teeth to develop and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth usually come in straight, but they can be misaligned or impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space in the jawbone to fully erupt.
Growing Pain
One of the most common signs that wisdom teeth are growing is the presence of pain in the back of the mouth. This can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. The pain may be felt only on one side of the mouth or both sides. It is usually worse when pressure is applied to the area around the wisdom teeth, such as when eating and brushing teeth.
Swollen Gums
The gums around the emerging wisdom teeth may become swollen and red. This can cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat or brush your teeth properly. The gums may also be tender and bleed easily, particularly after brushing or flossing.
Jaw Pain
Another symptom associated with growing wisdom teeth is jaw pain. This may be due to pressure on the jawbone as the tooth erupts from beneath the gum line or because of inflammation in the surrounding area. Jaw pain can range from mild discomfort to intense throbbing.
Headaches
Headaches are another possible symptom of wisdom tooth growth. The pain from these headaches may be felt at the temples, behind one ear, or at the back of the head. It is important to note that headaches caused by wisdom tooth growth are usually localized in one area and not generalized throughout the head.
Difficulty Opening Mouth
Growing wisdom teeth can cause difficulty opening and closing your mouth due to swelling and inflammation around them. Additionally, you may notice a clicking sound every time you try to open and close your mouth due to pressure on your jaw joint.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is another possible indication that your wisdom teeth are growing. This can happen if food particles become trapped near erupting wisdom teeth, resulting in bacteria growth that causes bad breath.
Causes of Pain When Wisdom Teeth Grow
The main cause of pain when wisdom teeth grow is impacted teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are unable to properly erupt through the gum line due to lack of space in the jawbone. This can cause intense pain as the tooth pushes against the gum and bone, causing pressure and inflammation. Other causes of pain include infection, damage to the surrounding teeth, and gum disease.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful as they push against the surrounding teeth and gum tissue. The pressure created by the tooth can cause inflammation and swelling in the area, which can be very painful. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause infection in the gums, which can lead to abscesses or other serious complications.
Damage to adjacent teeth is another common cause of pain when wisdom teeth grow. Pressure from an erupting wisdom tooth can cause damage to adjacent teeth, leading to pain and discomfort. In some cases, a wisdom tooth may even move other nearby teeth out of their normal position or alignment.
Finally, gum disease is another possible cause of pain when wisdom teeth grow. Wisdom tooth eruption often leads to pockets forming between the gums and erupted tooth, making it easier for bacteria to accumulate and form plaque or tartar on the surface of the tooth. This buildup of bacteria can lead to inflammation and infection in the gums, resulting in severe pain and discomfort when chewing or brushing the affected area.
How to Tell if You Have Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common signs that you may have wisdom teeth is pain in your back molars. This pain may be a dull ache, or it may feel like a sharp jolt when you bite down on something. If you feel this type of pain, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacting your other teeth and causing discomfort. Another sign of wisdom teeth is facial swelling, which can indicate the presence of an infection. If you notice your cheeks are swollen or tender to the touch, this could signal the presence of wisdom teeth.
You may also find that your gums become red and inflamed around the area where your wisdom teeth are located. This inflammation is usually accompanied by pain and tenderness in the gums. In some cases, you may even develop an abscess or cyst near where the wisdom tooth is located. These symptoms can be painful and should be checked out by a dentist right away to make sure there isn’t any serious damage being done to surrounding teeth or tissue.
Finally, you can also tell if you have wisdom teeth if they’re visible above the gum line. Wisdom teeth start to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, so if you see an extra set of molars coming in at that time, it’s likely that these are your wisdom teeth. If they’re only partially erupted, they should still be visible above the gum line and easy for your dentist to spot during a routine exam.
Examining Your Mouth to Check for Growth
It is important to regularly examine your mouth for any signs of growth. This can help you detect any changes that may be a sign of something more serious. A visual examination of your mouth can help you identify any abnormal growths or changes in the appearance of your teeth or gums. You should also be on the lookout for any lumps, bumps, or discolorations in your mouth.
If you notice any changes, it is important to contact your dentist right away. Your dentist will examine the area and determine if it is anything serious. They may suggest further tests or biopsies to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.
Your dentist may also take x-rays to check for any hidden problems. X-rays can show the development of new teeth as well as identify problem areas where decay has set in. In addition, dental x-rays can reveal tumors, cysts, and impacted teeth that are not visible during a visual examination of the mouth.
It is also important to pay attention to how your teeth feel when you brush and floss them. If anything feels different from normal, such as pain or discomfort when brushing or flossing, contact your dentist right away as this could be a sign of an infection or other serious condition.
Your regular dental visits are also a great opportunity to discuss any concerns you have regarding your oral health with your dentist. It’s important to keep them informed about any changes in the appearance or feel of your mouth so they can make sure everything is healthy and functioning properly.
Visiting a Dentist for Professional Assessment
Going to the dentist for a professional assessment is an important step in maintaining good oral health. Seeing a dentist regularly can help identify any potential problems or areas of concern that may need to be addressed. By taking the time to visit a dentist on a regular basis, you can ensure that you are taking proper care of your teeth and gums and can get treatment quickly if there is an issue.
At your dental appointment, the dentist will usually do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They will examine your teeth for signs of decay or other damage. They may also take x-rays to check for any hidden issues that cannot be seen from simply looking in your mouth. The dentist will also check the health of your gums and look for any signs of gum disease or inflammation.
The dentist may also take measurements such as the width and depth of your bite, which can help determine if there are any issues with alignment that need to be addressed. They may also perform tests such as checking for sensitivity or assessing how well you brush and floss. This information can help them determine what type of treatment plan might work best for you.
In addition to examining your teeth, the dentist may also make recommendations about preventive care such as brushing and flossing twice daily and using fluoride toothpaste. They may suggest changes in diet or lifestyle habits that could improve oral health, such as avoiding sugary foods or quitting smoking. The dentist may even suggest additional treatments such as sealants or fluoride treatments to protect against tooth decay.
Visiting the dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining good oral health. By getting regular professional assessments, you can ensure that any potential problems are quickly identified and treated before they become more serious issues down the road.
Conclusion
If you have any signs or symptoms that could be attributed to wisdom teeth, it’s important to speak with your dentist. They can help determine if you do indeed have wisdom teeth and advise you on the best course of action. It’s possible you may not need to do anything, but if your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, removal may be the best option.
Ultimately, only your dentist can tell for sure whether or not you have wisdom teeth. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of wisdom teeth. Pay attention to any pain or swelling in your mouth, as well as any changes in the position of your existing teeth. If you have any concerns about whether you have wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for help.