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Wisdom Teeth: A Guide to Symptoms and Causes
Ever heard of wisdom teeth? They’re those extra molars that try to show up (forcefully & uninvitingly) in your mouth. They usually appear either in late teens or early twenties. The name might make you think they’ll bring you special knowledge. Is it? Let’s be real – wisdom teeth are more likely to bring you pain and discomfort than anything else.
Here’s a noteworthy thing: while some wisdom teeth erupt with no problems, others can turn into real troublemakers.
This blog will shed light on symptoms and causes of occurrence of wisdom teeth.
Are All Wisdom Teeth Guaranteed to be Painful?
The answer, like most things in life, is a resounding not necessarily.
Some wisdom teeth erupt flawlessly, causing no problems whatsoever. However, for others, it’s a different story. Here’s where things get interesting:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: This is the main culprit behind wisdom teeth woes — when there’s not enough space in your jaw for these late bloomers to erupt properly, they become impacted.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Red, swollen gums around the wisdom tooth area (signalling inflammation or infection).
- Chewing can become painful, especially on the side of the impacted tooth.
- Opening your mouth wide may feel restricted, making yawning or eating difficult.
- Trapped food particles around impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath.
- A lingering bad taste in your mouth can indicate an impacted wisdom tooth.
Awkward Angles: Sometimes, wisdom teeth decide to erupt at an angle, pushing against other teeth and causing them to become misaligned or crowded. This pressure can be painful and make proper cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Conditions that Result in Painful Wisdom Teeth
So, what exactly makes a wisdom tooth turn into a pain machine? Here are the usual suspects:
Impaction: As mentioned earlier, this is the top offender, causing pressure and pain in the surrounding area.
Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a perfect hiding spot for food particles and bacteria. This trapped debris can lead to an infection, bringing on a whole new level of discomfort.
Did you know?
Throbbing pain, swollen and tender gums, difficulty chewing, jaw stiffness, and bad breath can all be signs of a wisdom tooth infection? In some cases, you might even experience pus drainage or a fever!
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Gum Inflammation (Pericoronitis): Even without a full-blown infection, the pressure of an erupting wisdom tooth can irritate the surrounding gum tissue, causing pain and swelling.
Conditions that Might Not Cause Pain
While wisdom teeth can be troublemakers, not every situation guarantees discomfort. Here are some scenarios where you might get lucky:
Sufficient Space: If your jaw has ample room and the wisdom tooth erupts fully and straight, you might experience minimal to no pain.
Early Eruption: Early eruption (before your early twenties) can sometimes allow for smoother development with less risk of impaction.
Remember: Even if you’re not experiencing immediate pain, it’s still wise (pun intended) to get regular dental checkups to monitor your wisdom teeth. Early detection and treatment of potential issues can save you a lot of discomfort down the road.
The Mystery of Erupting Wisdom Teeth: Why Do They Even Try?
The exact reason why wisdom teeth erupt (or try to erupt) is a bit complex and not fully understood by scientists. However, there are a few prevailing theories:
Evolutionary Leftover: Our ancestors likely had larger jaws and needed those extra wisdom teeth for chewing tougher foods like nuts and roots. Over time, our jaws have become smaller as our diets softened, but the genetic instructions for wisdom teeth haven’t necessarily disappeared. So, wisdom teeth try to erupt even though there often isn’t enough space.
Hormonal Influence: Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are thought to play a role in jaw development and tooth eruption. Changes in these hormone levels during late adolescence and early adulthood might trigger the attempt for wisdom teeth to erupt.
Cell Signaling: Specific cellular signals within the jawbone might be involved in initiating tooth eruption, including wisdom teeth. These signals could be influenced by factors like jaw size and the presence of other teeth.
Beyond Jaw Pain – Earaches, Headaches, and the Mystery of Discomfort
Why Does My Jaw Ache When My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
One of the most common complaints with wisdom teeth is jaw pain. This is because wisdom teeth often erupt with limited space, causing pressure and inflammation in the jawbone. This pressure can radiate outwards, causing a dull ache or throbbing pain in the jaw, especially when chewing.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Earaches?
Believe it or not, wisdom teeth can sometimes be the culprit behind earaches! The roots of wisdom teeth are located close to the nerves that travel to the ear. When wisdom teeth become impacted or infected, the inflammation and pressure can irritate these nerves, causing pain that radiates to the ear.
Can Wisdom Teeth Give You Headaches?
The pain and inflammation caused by wisdom teeth can sometimes manifest as headaches. This is because the jaw muscles can become tense and tight as they try to accommodate the erupting wisdom teeth. Additionally, the radiating pain from the jaw and the irritation of nearby nerves can contribute to headaches.
