How do you know when wisdom teeth are coming in?

Wisdom teeth, the last adult teeth to emerge, can be an uncomfortable experience for many adults. Adults are usually 17-24 years old when the wisdom teeth start to come through. However, if you’re of the 35% (healthline.com) of the human population who never gets wisdom teeth, consider yourself lucky. Wisdom teeth don’t necessarily seem to serve any purpose and can cause severe infection or discomfort if not removed.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

According to Crest.com “anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were evolution’s response to our ancestors’ early diet of rough foods such as roots, nuts, and meats that require serious chewing power.” However, our diet has evolved, and we no longer have use for those extra teeth. Our foods are softer, and our mouths are smaller. Most people remove their teeth because of their uselessness and the pain they cause.

What are some signs of wisdom teeth coming in?

Some common signs that your wisdom teeth might be coming in are bleeding or tender gums, jaw pain, swelling of the gums, unpleasant taste in the mouth, or even difficulty opening your mouth.

One of the first things you might notice when your wisdom teeth are coming in is pain, tenderness, and swelling in your jaw. Wisdom teeth coming through is like the adult version of “teething.” It doesn’t matter how young or old you are trying to break a tooth through the jawline is incredibly uncomfortable.

Wisdom teeth can cause severe pain for several reasons, and these are all signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in:

1. There is no space for the tooth. As we’ve mentioned before, our jaws and mouths are much smaller than those of our ancestors. We do not have the room for the teeth, and this causes pressure against our other teeth.
2. The tooth only makes it halfway. Yes, this is very common. Because the tooth doesn’t have the room to emerge, it stops halfway. When this happens, bacteria can get caught under the gum and cause infection. This is said to be the most common sign of wisdom teeth coming in because it causes severe pain along the jawline.
3. Awkward positioning of the wisdom tooth. Because there is no room for the tooth, it can either stop coming in or come in at an odd angle and not fully emerge. This leaves the tooth and gums susceptible to bacteria buildup and infection.
4. Pressure build-up. Pressure build-up occurs when the tooth gets trapped under the gum. When the pressure builds up, you can experience headaches. The only way to relieve the pressure is to get rid of the wisdom tooth.

Why should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

You should remove your wisdom teeth for your health and comfort. If you are experiencing the signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in, you should have them removed as soon as possible. The longer you wait to remove them, the more time you leave for infection to set in. If, however, your wisdom teeth are not causing severe pain, are grown in completely, and your dentist is not concerned, there is no reason to get the teeth removed. If you are unsure whether you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, always consult your dentist.

When should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth should be removed as soon as they start to cause problems in your mouth. If you wait to have the teeth removed, your chances of an infection increase. It is best to meet with your dentist and talk about extraction as soon as possible if you think your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort.