Worried about wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth tend to come in around the time we reach adulthood. However, for some people there is not enough room in their mouths to accommodate these new teeth.
You don’t want wisdom teeth to alter the alignment of your teeth, particularly if you’ve had orthodontic treatment. Nor do you want the pain or discomfort that often goes with impacted wisdom teeth.
In many cases, impacted wisdom teeth can be detected early on using x-rays, so they don’t cause problems in your mouth. However, it is still important to know the warning signs, so you can have them removed or realigned as early as possible.
Pain in the Back of the Mouth
This is often the first sign that you will notice. The pain is typically constant, although it can be worse when you are eating, as that creates additional pressure.
As the wisdom teeth continue to come in, the pain will become more and more severe as they push against your molars.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
This symptom is a bit more difficult to identify as you may not notice swelling in the back of your mouth. However, you may notice that your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth.
This isn’t always a sign of impacted wisdom teeth; it could also signify gum disease. In either case, it is important to see your dentist right away to figure out the source of the problem.
Swelling around the Jaw
As your wisdom teeth come in, they don’t just cause swelling of the gums but of the jaw as well.
At first, this may not be readily visible, but it can escalate quickly. If the swelling becomes severe, you may have difficulty opening your mouth, chewing or talking.
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Impacted?
In addition to these most common warning signs, you may also notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth or experience bad breath. When the pressure gets high enough, you may also suffer headaches or earaches.
Your dentist can diagnose by taking an x-ray and looking at what’s going on under the surface. Then they can advise you of the best course of action
If you are concerned that your wisdom teeth might be impacted, call us on (08) 8449 9777 or book an appointment online so that we can assess your situation and help take care of your health and wellbeing.