Wisdom Teeth:COMPLETE HELPFUL Guide

What are wisdom teeth?

Types of wisdom teeth

• 1. Erupted Wisdom Teeth:

These are the lucky ones that emerge , aligning with your other teeth. They often go unnoticed, causing no trouble.

• 2. Affected Wisdom Teeth:

This is where the real drama unfolds. Affected wisdom teeth get trapped beneath your gums or jawbone.

setting the stage for potential problems like infection, cavities, and gum disease.

• 3. Partial Eruption:

Sometimes, wisdom teeth make a half-hearted attempt to emerge, leading to partial eruption. This condition can be particularly troublesome as it leaves an opening for bacteria. To enter causing infection and discomfort.

History of Wisdom Teeth¹

The history of wisdom teeth is a tale that spans thousands of years. Ancient skulls provide evidence of these molars, suggesting that our distant ancestors also had to contend with them.

In our distant past, when our ancestors relied on a diet of raw plants, tough meats, and hard nuts, wisdom teeth played a vital role.

Our ancient ancestors relied on these extra molars to chew their raw plant-based diets. But modern food preparation and utensils have made these teeth unnecessary. As a result, our jaws have evolved, becoming smaller over time.

Wisdom teeth, though once vital for survival, are now often more trouble than they’re worth. Many individuals experience issues with these teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Treatment and Safety before issues

If you’re one of the lucky ones with wisdom teeth, you need to take good care of them.

• Brush your teeth two to three times a day –
  • yes, even the ones way in the back! Floss once a day, making sure to clean between your teeth. And don’t forget to use mouthwash to keep everything fresh and healthy.
• Infections caused by wisdom teeth can often be managed by:
• – Improving oral hygiene in the affected area.
• – Professional cleaning by a dentist.
• – Prescribing antibiotics in some cases.

Problems of Wisdom Teeth.²

When these wisdom teeth erupt they usually come with different kind of problems .

Some of them are mentioned here

• 1. Impaction:

Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t grow in , becoming or trapped in the gums or jawbone. This can lead to pain, infection, and other oral health problems.

• 2.Infections:

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections, resulting in painful symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pus formation in the gums.

• 3. Cavities and Gum Disease:

The positioning of wisdom teeth can make cleaning them difficult, leading to tooth decay and gum infections like pericoronitis.

Wisdom Teeth Removal³

The million-dollar question: Should wisdom teeth always be removed?

The answer is a resounding “not .”

If your wisdom teeth emerge and don’t trigger any problems, you might be one of the fortunate ones who can keep them.

Dentists and oral maxillo official surgeons can perform this procedure, under local anesthesia. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, and that’s completely okay!

Some people might have one, two, three, or even none at all. It’s like a surprise game of hide and seek that your teeth play with you.

But here’s the thing – these latecomers can be a bit mischievous.

Sometimes, they pop up without any trouble, finding their perfect spot in the mouth. Other times, they can’t find their way and become trapped, like getting stuck in a maze. When that happens, it can lead to problems like pain, infections, and even cavities.

Wisdom Teeth Removal time

Removing problematic wisdom teeth early is often advisable. Waiting too long can lead to more complications and potential damage to neighboring teeth.

Additionally, wisdom teeth are easier to extract when you’re younger, as the roots are still forming, and your body tends to heal faster.

Try wisdom teeth removal If you face these problems mentioned below ;

• Lack of Space:

If there isn’t enough room in your mouth for wisdom teeth to emerge , early removal can prevent future problems.

• Symptoms:

Wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth may need removal.

• Monitoring:

Dentists may suggest monitoring wisdom teeth to identify potential issues.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Issues

Common signs of gum infection related to wisdom teeth include:

• Red, inflamed gum around the wisdom tooth.
• Facial swelling.
• Pain and sensitivity.
• Pus discharge.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing.
• Fever.
• Food getting stuck and challenging to clean out.
• Bad breath.

Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Proper post-surgery care can help healing and reduce the risk of complications. General recommendations include:

1. Taking prescribed pain-relieving medication if needed.
2. Biting on gauze to control bleeding.
3. Avoiding excessive rinsing, sucking through a straw, or spitting to allow blood clots to form.
4. Rinsing with warm saltwater after meals.
5. Consuming soft, easy-to-chew foods.
6. Avoiding smoking for 48 hours after surgery.
7. Limiting alcohol intake and excessive physical activity.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth, once essential for our ancestors’ diets, have become vestigial structures in modern times. While not everyone experiences issues with their wisdom teeth. those who do may need removal to prevent complications.

Please Note:

This blog provides valuable information about wisdom teeth and their potential problems. However, it’s important to remember that individual cases can vary, and the best course of action should always be determined by a qualified oral health professional.

If you’re facing discomfort or suspect problems with your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action tailored to your specific needs.

AUTHOR

References

1. History of wisdom teeth ↩︎
2. Wisdom Tooth Pain: Symptoms, Treatment and Relief ↩︎
3. Removal Of impacted teeth ↩︎