A Quick & Easy Guide to Wisdom Teeth

Did you know that not all of us develop wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth an adult develops and usually they erupt between the age of 17 to 25. They are often referred to as the third molar teeth and they are located at the back of your upper and lower jaws.

While some wisdom teeth don’t necessarily cause you any pain, most of the time these teeth cause you more harm than good. They get stuck in your gums or jawbone and they cause tooth decay and other severe dental woes.

Curious to learn more about wisdom teeth? Here is the ultimate guide that will share with you everything you would want to know about wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth function

You would be surprised to know that there is no significant use of wisdom teeth. Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to bite into the raw plants and meat that they consumed. Our diet has evolved over the centuries and we no longer need wisdom teeth. Not just that, our jaw has evolved too and become smaller and there is no space for wisdom teeth to flourish.

Wisdom teeth location

Wisdom teeth are situated at the back of your upper and lower jaws, just behind your second molar. Some people get 4 wisdom teeth in each corner at the back of their mouth, while few get less than 4. It is totally normal if you don’t develop any wisdom teeth throughout your life.

Signs of a growing wisdom tooth

Are there any telltale signs that giveaway that you might be developing wisdom teeth? Yes, there are. Here are a few common early signs and symptoms that may suggest that you will get a wisdom tooth soon.

• Pain in your jaw
• Tenderness in your jaw
• Facial pain
• Swelling or redness in your gums behind your last molars
• White spots behind your last molars

Conditions associated with a growing wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth come with their own set of complications. Here are some common conditions that are associated with a growing wisdom tooth.

1. Infection in your gum or bone of the teeth
2. Cavity
3. Pain in your wisdom teeth
4. Pain in the neighbouring teeth
5. Cyst
6. Tumour
7. Gum inflammation

Common wisdom tooth treatment options

The best way to deal with painful wisdom teeth is to get rid of them. Your dentist might use local anaesthesia to ensure that the wisdom tooth removal procedure doesn’t cause you much pain or distress. We recommend that people remove their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early 20s instead of waiting it out and considering removing them in their old age.

How do I care for my wisdom tooth?

- Upgrade your brushing routine

Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and reach back to your wisdom teeth with a perfectly angled crisscross toothbrush. You can consider investing in makeO toothsi electro which is an ultra-chic and advanced electric toothbrush that comes with 5 brushing modes that give you squeaky clean teeth.

- Floss daily

Just brushing your teeth is not enough as brushing doesn’t necessarily get rid of the food particles stuck in between your teeth. So, make sure that you take time to floss your teeth at least once a day. Shop for floss x smart water flosser by makeO which makes flossing fun and effortless.

- Consider investing in a mouth rinse

Now, elevate your oral care hygiene and take extra care of your wisdom teeth by investing in an antibacterial mouthwash that will prevent cavities, tooth decay and other gum diseases.

The Bottomline

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FAQs:

How long does it take to recover after a wisdom tooth removal procedure?

Typically, it will take you about a week to recover after wisdom teeth extraction.

Why do wisdom teeth cause pain?

Wisdom teeth push the surrounding teeth to make space and move other teeth. Hence, they cause pain and discomfort.

Is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?

It is only necessary to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing you any dental problems. Otherwise, you can let them be.

How to relieve wisdom teeth pain?

You can relieve wisdom teeth pain by indulging in a cold compress, salt water swish, taking an over-the-counter pain relief medication and applying clove oil to the affected area.