Have you been wondering if you need to get your wisdom teeth removed? Well, the short answer? It depends. Not sure where you fall? The dental specialists at Eriks Dental Group break it all down!
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Humans develop three sets of teeth during their lifetimes: your 20 baby teeth would have started to appear when you were about six months of age and emerged fully by the time you were 2½ years old.
When you were about six, your 32 permanent teeth would normally have begun to evict these primary teeth and fill in the remaining spaces. Then, when you were acquiring enlightenment about the ways of the world around the ages of 17-21, your last set of molars known as wisdom teeth may have begun to appear.
Fun fact: Although we are all born with wisdom teeth, some people never have wisdom teeth emerge from their gums.
Additionally, wisdom teeth may grow through with no problems, but at other times, they may force their way into a limited space and become impacted. This may result in infection causing pain and misery, in which case you’ll have to decide if it is necessary to get your wisdom teeth removed.
Recognizing Symptoms of a Problem
Everyone should practice good dental hygiene combined with regular visits to the dentist. With that being said, it’s easy to take your teeth for granted. They are strong, durable, and do the job they are designed for: cutting or grinding up your food into edible pieces.
That is, until they don’t.
Wisdom teeth can be especially problematic. Because they are so late in emerging, and your other teeth have long since claimed their positions, there may not be enough space for these large molars to fit comfortably. They may grow sideways or force your other teeth to become crowded or crooked.
Additionally, they could cause pain in your jaw, tooth decay or an abscess to form in your gums, potentially causing substantial and permanent damage.
You may have developed an abscess if you suffer symptoms including:
- Tenderness in your gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food
- Bad breath
Always see your dentist without delay if you experience any of these warning signs, as a burst abscess can rapidly spread harmful bacteria to the rest of your body, possibly even causing fatal sepsis.
Should You Always Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You may feel that having your wisdom teeth removed before they cause any problems is a good idea. After all, you got along just fine without them until your late teens/early twenties, so they can’t be that vital to your wellbeing.
Some theory has it that wisdom teeth were useful to masticate foods such as nuts, roots, and meat in early human development. Further theory espouses that as we have no need to do that today, our jawbones have shrunk to the point that wisdom teeth cannot be accommodated.
Your dentist can take x-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth look likely to cause other dental issues in the future. If they are not causing you any discomfort, there may be no need to have them removed.
However, if you have any crooked or misaligned teeth, and you have difficulties brushing or flossing, you may wish to have your wisdom teeth removed as a preventative measure.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: Yay or Nay?
If you want to avoid protracted and expensive dental surgery, you need to take lifelong care of your mouth.
Institute a regular routine of:
Brushing
Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice per day. A toothbrush with softer bristles is less likely to damage your gums and will still clean
Rinsing
Giving your mouth a quick rinse with water after each meal will discourage the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Rinsing regularly with mouthwash or a saltwater solution will also help to deter bacteria.
Flossing
Flossing your teeth at least once per day will help remove particles of food that brushing alone cannot. Looking after your teeth, including your wisdom teeth, is a vital part of your overall health. Imagine if you lost your sense of taste, or even smell, as your ear, nose, and mouth areas are all interconnected.
Dental Specialists in Boynton Beach
Follow these guidelines along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, and you may never need to have those wisdom teeth removed! But, if you do, call Eriks Dental Group today at 561-733-4004! We’ll get you smiling in no time at all.