The Wisdom teeth have always and would always give problems while struggling to break through or erupt through the gums usually erupting between the ages 17 to 21 years. The stagnation area around the tooth and neighboring teeth causes persistent infection.
Wisdom teeth are often very hard to reach with your toothbrush and floss, which means they’re not regularly cleaned properly. This can cause food, plaque and other debris to accumulate on and between the teeth, promoting bacteria growth. Decaying of neighboring teeth, bone loss of the jaw, bleeding, tooth decay, and even cysts are all possible complications from impacted wisdom teeth.
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When the wisdom tooth doesn’t erupt in the proper and timely manner, the tooth may be covered partially with a flap of gum tissue, which can also trap food, plaque, and bacteria, resulting in a wisdom tooth infection. Therefore it is imperative for every individual to understand the signs and symptoms and possible complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
A regular dental checkup makes it possible to detect impacted wisdom teeth early through the use of an orthopantomography x-ray scan. In some situations, a dentist may even recommend a patient to consider an extraction to prevent future problems.
The wisdom teeth as seen on an orthopantomography scan indicated in red
If you are experiencing any of these signs/symptoms then it is time to make an appointment with the dentist.
The 3 cardinal warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bad taste or bad breath
Tiny crevices or spaces between the wisdom tooth and the neighboring teeth and opening in the gum create multiple options for bacteria and debris to hide and thrive
Other associated symptoms include:
- Facial swelling which may or may not be extensive
- Tender glands
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Earaches
- Painful and bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening and closing mouth
- a sore throat