Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. While wisdom teeth are a natural part of human dental development, many people face issues with their growth. One common problem is when wisdom teeth grow sideways, also known as impaction.
Sideways-growing wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including pain, infection, and misalignment of other teeth. But what causes wisdom teeth to grow sideways? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, the potential complications, and the options available for treatment.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Function
Before diving into the causes of sideways-growing wisdom teeth, it’s essential to understand their function. Wisdom teeth are the last molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth are often referred to as “third molars” because they are the last to emerge after the other molars.
In the past, wisdom teeth played a significant role in human diets. Early humans had larger jaws and needed these extra teeth to chew tough, raw foods. However, over time, human jaws have become smaller due to changes in diet, evolution, and jaw development. This has made it less likely for wisdom teeth to have enough space to grow properly, leading to a variety of dental issues, including the growth of wisdom teeth sideways.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways?
Wisdom teeth grow sideways when they are unable to emerge properly through the gum line. Instead of coming up vertically, they grow at an angle, sometimes pushing against neighboring teeth. There are several factors that contribute to this improper growth pattern, which we will discuss in detail below.
1. Lack of Space in the Jaw
The most common cause of wisdom teeth growing sideways is simply a lack of space in the jaw. As mentioned earlier, human jaws have become smaller over time, and many people’s mouths are not large enough to accommodate these extra molars. When there is insufficient space, the wisdom teeth may grow at an angle in an attempt to find room. This lack of space often causes the teeth to push against neighboring molars, leading to sideways growth.
2. Jaw Development and Evolution
Over generations, human jaw size has reduced, which impacts the way wisdom teeth grow. Ancient humans had much larger jaws, which gave more room for wisdom teeth to grow and align properly. However, as our diet and lifestyle changed, our jaw sizes shrank. This evolutionary change means that wisdom teeth no longer have enough space to grow naturally. As a result, they often develop at an angle or sideways.
3. Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in the development of wisdom teeth. If your parents or grandparents had issues with their wisdom teeth growing sideways, there is a higher chance that you might experience the same problem. Specific genetic factors can affect how your teeth grow, including whether they are impacted or not. Genetic traits can also influence the size of your jaw and the number of teeth that develop, which can contribute to wisdom teeth growing sideways.
4. Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not fully emerge through the gums. Impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow in the proper position. Instead of growing upward, the teeth may grow sideways, pressing against the other molars or the sides of the mouth. Impacted teeth can be partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line, leading to pain, swelling, and infection.
There are different types of impaction, including:
Partial impaction: The wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gum but is angled incorrectly.
Full impaction: The wisdom tooth is entirely trapped beneath the gum and does not emerge at all.
Horizontal impaction: The tooth grows sideways, often pushing into the adjacent tooth.
5. Crowding of Teeth
Crowding occurs when there are too many teeth in the mouth for the available space. This is common in people who had braces or other orthodontic treatments to straighten their teeth. As the other teeth shift or align during orthodontic treatment, there may be insufficient space for the wisdom teeth to grow properly. When the teeth are crowded, the wisdom teeth may grow sideways to fit, causing them to become impacted or misaligned.
6. Absence of Other Teeth
In some cases, people may experience sideways-growing wisdom teeth if their other teeth, such as second molars, are missing. The missing teeth can create extra space in the jaw, causing the wisdom teeth to grow at an angle to fill the void.
Without proper guidance from surrounding teeth, the wisdom teeth are more likely to grow sideways or become impacted.
What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways?
Sideways-growing wisdom teeth can cause several problems. While some people may not experience pain or discomfort, others may face serious issues. Here are some potential complications associated with sideways-growing wisdom teeth:
1. Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common symptoms of impacted or sideways-growing wisdom teeth is pain. The tooth may press against the neighboring molars or the side of the mouth, causing discomfort. This pain can vary from mild to severe and can last for weeks or months.
2. Infection and Gum Disease
When wisdom teeth grow sideways, they can create a flap of gum tissue that partially covers the tooth. This can make it difficult to clean the area properly, leading to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles. As a result, an infection can develop in the gums or around the wisdom tooth. Gum disease is another common problem associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
3. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Sideways-growing wisdom teeth can also damage the adjacent molars. If the wisdom tooth is angled in such a way that it presses against the neighboring tooth, it can cause damage to the enamel, leading to cavities or tooth decay. Over time, this pressure can shift the position of the other teeth, leading to misalignment.
4. Cyst Formation
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or fluid-filled sacs in the jaw. These cysts can cause further damage to the surrounding teeth and bone tissue. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications and the need for more extensive dental treatment.
5. Difficulty Cleaning Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are growing sideways, it can be challenging to properly clean the area around them. As the tooth grows at an angle, it may be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. This can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
How to Prevent Wisdom Teeth from Growing Sideways
While there is no surefire way to prevent wisdom teeth from growing sideways, early intervention can help minimize the risk of complications. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth. If they notice any signs of impaction or improper growth, they may recommend removal before the teeth cause significant issues.
Some other preventive measures include:
X-rays: Routine dental X-rays can help your dentist identify problems with the alignment of your wisdom teeth before they become painful or problematic.
Orthodontic treatment: If you have misaligned teeth or jaw issues, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend braces or other treatments to help create more space for your wisdom teeth to grow properly.
Early extraction: In some cases, early removal of wisdom teeth can prevent issues with sideways growth and impaction.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth growing sideways is a common problem caused by a lack of space in the jaw, genetics, impaction, or other factors. While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may suffer from pain, infections, or damage to neighboring teeth. If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are growing sideways or becoming impacted, it’s important to visit a dentist for a thorough evaluation and treatment options.
