Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that typically appear in the back of the mouth. These teeth often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, the eruption of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable and even painful. Recognizing the symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in can help you manage the discomfort and decide whether professional intervention is necessary.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in, their potential complications, and what you can do to ease the discomfort.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Before we dive into the symptoms, it’s important to understand why wisdom teeth emerge and what role they play. Wisdom teeth are remnants from our evolutionary past, when our ancestors needed more chewing power to break down tough food like raw plants and meat. Over time, as human diets changed and cooking techniques improved, these teeth became less essential.
Despite their reduced function, wisdom teeth still develop in most people. However, for many, these teeth cause issues due to their late eruption, the limited space in the jaw, and the angle at which they come in.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, you may experience a range of symptoms. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and some may not have any discomfort at all. However, the most common symptoms include:
1. Pain or Discomfort at the Back of the Mouth
One of the most common signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in is pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, where these teeth are trying to emerge. The pain can be sharp or dull and may radiate to nearby areas, such as the jaw, ear, or neck.
This discomfort is due to the pressure the wisdom teeth exert as they push through the gum tissue.
2. Swelling and Redness in the Gums
As wisdom teeth break through the gums, the tissue around them may become swollen and inflamed. The gums may appear redder than usual, and you might notice a tender spot near the site of eruption. This is a natural reaction to the teeth emerging, but it can be uncomfortable.
3. Gum Irritation and Sensitivity
The gum tissue surrounding the erupting wisdom teeth may become sensitive and irritated. This irritation can make it difficult to eat certain foods, particularly those that are hard or chewy. Brushing the area around the emerging teeth may also cause discomfort.
4. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth
When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, the area around them can become difficult to clean properly. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped around the newly exposed tooth, leading to a bad taste in the mouth or even halitosis (bad breath).
This is particularly common if the wisdom teeth are partially impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gum line.
5. Jaw Stiffness and Pain
As your wisdom teeth come in, the pressure can cause your jaw to feel stiff or sore. You may have difficulty opening your mouth fully or feel pain when chewing. In some cases, this jaw pain may be accompanied by headaches or even neck pain due to muscle tension.
6. Headaches
The pressure and discomfort caused by the eruption of wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to headaches. This is especially common if your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are growing at an angle or are unable to break through the gum tissue completely.
7. Difficulty Opening the Mouth
When wisdom teeth emerge, you may notice that your mouth feels tight or restricted. This can be due to swelling and inflammation in the gums, which may make it difficult to open your mouth wide. It may also cause pain when chewing or speaking.
8. Bleeding or Sore Gums
In some cases, the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth may bleed slightly when it is irritated or when you brush the area.
This bleeding is usually mild, but if it persists or is accompanied by significant pain, it may indicate an issue, such as an infection.
9. Partial Eruption or Soft Tissue Flaps
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t fully break through the gum line. In these cases, you may notice a small flap of soft tissue covering the tooth. This can be problematic, as food and bacteria can become trapped under the flap, leading to an infection called pericoronitis. If you notice this symptom, it’s important to keep the area clean and seek dental care if you experience signs of infection.
10. Swollen Lymph Nodes
If your wisdom teeth are coming in and causing infection or irritation, you may notice swelling in the lymph nodes located in your neck. These swollen lymph nodes may feel tender to the touch and could indicate that your body is fighting an infection.
11. Numbness or Tingling Sensations
In rare cases, wisdom teeth may grow in a way that puts pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the mouth, tongue, or lips. While this symptom is not common, it’s important to consult a dentist if you experience any unusual sensations in your face or mouth.
Complications of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
While the emergence of wisdom teeth is a normal part of growing up, it can sometimes lead to complications. These issues may require medical or dental intervention, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that something might be wrong.
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the tooth fails to fully emerge from the gum or grows at an angle that prevents it from coming through properly. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to neighboring teeth.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted to prevent further complications.
2. Infection
If a wisdom tooth is partially erupted or impacted, bacteria can enter the gum tissue, leading to an infection. Symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include redness, swelling, pain, bad breath, and sometimes a pus-like discharge from the gum area.
3. Cysts or Tumors
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jaw. These growths can damage the surrounding bone and tissue. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist to rule out more serious issues.
4. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
As wisdom teeth emerge, it can be difficult to clean the area properly, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as dental checkups, are important to prevent these issues.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, here are some steps you can take to manage the discomfort:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Salt Water Rinses: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and prevent infection. Swish the water around your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, including the areas around the emerging wisdom teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the sensitive gum tissue.
Visit a Dentist: If the symptoms persist or become severe, it’s important to see a dentist. They can assess the situation, take X-rays if necessary, and determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
When to See A Dentist
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek dental care as soon as possible:
Intense pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers
Persistent swelling or redness in the gums
Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
Signs of infection, such as pus or a bad taste in your mouth
Numbness or tingling in your face
Conclusion
The eruption of wisdom teeth is a common occurrence, but it can come with discomfort and a range of symptoms.
Recognizing the signs early can help you manage the discomfort and seek appropriate care when necessary. While many people experience mild symptoms, others may need professional intervention, such as wisdom tooth extraction, to prevent complications.
