Impacted wisdom teeth can be a painful issue. They are the third and final set of molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Unfortunately, these teeth often don’t have enough room in the jaw to fully emerge, leading to infection and other dental problems. This article will provide you with information on how to clean impacted wisdom teeth for better oral hygiene.Impacted wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are so-called “impacted” because they often don’t have enough space to erupt properly into the mouth. Instead, they may grow in at an angle or be stuck beneath the gum line, making them difficult to clean and prone to infection. In cases of severe impaction, removal of the wisdom teeth is required to avoid further issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and uncomfortable. The most common symptoms include swelling, pain, and tenderness around the affected area. Other symptoms may include bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, jaw stiffness, difficulty chewing, a bad taste in the mouth, and visible swelling on the gums. You may also experience headaches or earaches originating from the area of the impacted wisdom tooth. In some cases, an infection may develop around the impacted wisdom tooth causing redness and tenderness in the affected area. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation.
If left untreated, impact wisdom teeth can cause more serious problems such as recurrent infections or cysts that can damage nearby teeth and bone structure. In some cases impacted wisdom teeth can lead to damage of surrounding nerves which can cause numbness in your face or mouth. It is important to have regular dental check-ups so that any potential problems with your wisdom teeth can be caught early and treated quickly to prevent more serious complications from occurring.
Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars found in the back of the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate them. This can happen for a few different reasons. The most common cause is overcrowding of the other teeth in the mouth. This usually happens when there is not enough room for them to emerge properly into place. Other causes include misalignment, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can also be caused by genetics or trauma to the area.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of problems if left untreated. They can cause pain and swelling in the surrounding area as well as difficulty opening and closing your mouth or chewing food properly. They may also lead to decay or infection if not addressed quickly enough. If you are experiencing any symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist for an evaluation so they can determine if treatment is necessary.
Diagnosing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms may not be present in the early stages. However, there are a few signs that should alert a patient to the possibility of impacted wisdom teeth. These include pain and swelling in the back of the mouth, jaw stiffness or tenderness, and difficulty opening the mouth. An x-ray is typically required to confirm a diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth. The x-ray helps the dentist determine where the wisdom teeth are located and whether they are impacted or not. If they are impacted, then further treatment may be necessary.
In some cases, an oral surgeon may be consulted to assess whether any surgery is required to remove the impacted wisdom teeth. The surgeon will review the x-ray and examine the patient’s mouth before making a decision about whether or not to proceed with surgery. If it is recommended that surgery take place, then it will generally involve cutting away some of the gum tissue before extracting the teeth. In other cases, a general dentist may be able to extract the teeth without needing an oral surgeon’s help.
In addition to an x-ray and physical examination, other tests may also be used in diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth. These include CT scans or MRI scans which provide more detailed images of what is happening inside the mouth and jaw area. If any infection is present around an impacted wisdom tooth, then blood tests may also be done to check for signs of infection.
Once it has been determined that surgery is necessary, patients should discuss their options with their dentist or oral surgeon so they can make an informed decision about how best to proceed with treatment.
Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth varies depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, there are three main treatment options: extractions, partial removal, and orthodontic repositioning.
Extractions involve surgically removing the entire tooth, including any roots that may be present. This is the most common treatment option for impacted wisdom teeth and is often recommended if the tooth is very decayed or infected. Extractions can also be performed if the tooth is causing pain or discomfort, or if it is blocking other teeth from coming in properly.
Partial removal involves removing a portion of the tooth instead of the entire thing. This can be done if only a small part of the wisdom tooth is affected and it can help to reduce pain and discomfort as well as prevent further damage to other nearby teeth.
Orthodontic repositioning involves using braces or other orthodontic devices to move the impacted wisdom tooth into its proper position in the mouth. This method can be used to treat mild cases of impaction, but it may not be suitable for more severe cases.
No matter which treatment option you choose for your impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist so that they can determine what will work best for you.
Home Remedies for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and lead to other dental problems. Fortunately, there are home remedies you can try to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for impacted wisdom teeth:
1. Rinsing your mouth with salt water: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater is a simple and effective way to reduce inflammation and pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day for best results.
2. Applying an ice pack: Applying an ice pack to the area where your wisdom tooth is impacted can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or paper towel and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
3. Using over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to help reduce swelling and pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Follow the instructions on the package for proper dosage information, and avoid taking more than the recommended amount as this could lead to other side effects or worsen existing conditions.
4. Using clove oil: Clove oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Simply dilute two drops of clove oil in one teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil, then swish it around your mouth for two minutes before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day until you get relief from the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth.
How To Clean Around Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Cleaning around impacted wisdom teeth can be tricky. It is important to keep the area around the teeth clean, as bacteria and tartar can build up easily in this area and cause infection. The best way to clean around impacted wisdom teeth is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently in circular motions, making sure to reach all areas of the mouth, including behind the impacted wisdom teeth. Flossing is also important, as it helps remove food particles from between the teeth and gums. When flossing around an impacted wisdom tooth, be sure to use a gentle sawing motion rather than pulling up and down. If you have any difficulty with flossing or brushing, ask your dentist for help.
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, it is also important for those with impacted wisdom teeth to visit their dentist regularly for cleaning and checkups. At these appointments, your dentist will be able to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up around the teeth, as well as check for any signs of infection or decay. Your dentist may also recommend special cleaning tools that are designed specifically for cleaning around impacted wisdom teeth. If you have any dental pain or discomfort in this area, be sure to contact your dentist right away so that they can assess the situation and determine what treatment is necessary.
Foods to Avoid With Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Having impacted wisdom teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods. This is because impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to chew or open the mouth wide. In order to avoid further pain and complications, it is important to know which foods should be avoided when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth.
Hard and crunchy foods are some of the main foods that should be avoided when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth. Foods such as hard candies, nuts, chips, popcorn, and other crunchy snacks can aggravate the area and cause more pain. Additionally, sugary foods should also be avoided as they can increase inflammation and lead to further complications.
In addition to hard and sugary foods, sticky foods should also be avoided when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth. Sticky foods such as caramels or chewy candies can get stuck in the area around the impacted tooth and cause further irritation or infection. Other types of sticky sweets such as gummy bears or marshmallows should also be avoided in order to prevent any further irritation or infection.
Aside from hard, sugary, and sticky foods, acidic fruits should also be avoided when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth. Acids from certain fruits such as oranges or lemons can irritate the area around the impacted tooth and lead to further inflammation or infection. It is best to avoid these types of fruits in order to prevent any further pain or complications.
Lastly, spicy foods should also be avoided when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth in order to prevent any further irritation or infection. Spicy peppers and sauces can irritate the area around an already irritated tooth causing more pain than necessary. It is best to avoid these types of food in order for proper healing and a quicker recovery time for the affected area.
By avoiding hard, sugary, sticky, acidic fruits, and spicy foods when dealing with an impacted tooth you can ensure that you are not causing any further damage or irritation to the affected area. Keeping these types of food away from your diet will allow you a quicker healing time so you can get back on track with your normal eating habits soon!
Conclusion
Cleaning impacted wisdom teeth can be a difficult and uncomfortable process. It is important to ensure that you seek professional help and follow the advice of your dentist or oral surgeon on how best to clean your impacted wisdom teeth. You should also make sure that you practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to reduce the risk of developing an infection due to impacted wisdom teeth. Finally, it is important to remember that cleaning impacted wisdom teeth does not guarantee that they will remain healthy and free from infection. Regular check-ups with your dentist or oral surgeon are recommended in order to maintain optimal oral health.
It is important to understand that the process of cleaning impacted wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable and time consuming. However, it is necessary in order to keep your mouth healthy and free from infection. By following the advice provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, you can ensure that your impacted wisdom teeth are cleaned properly and remain healthy for years to come.