Tag: Pain

Thousands of years ago, when our jaws were wider and could accommodate our last molars, wisdom teeth allowed us to chew on tougher foods. Overtime we have developed smaller jaws which means there is less room for them to erupt.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt. For most people, they will begin to appear between the ages of 19 and 20.

However, your wisdom teeth start growing between the ages or 7 and 10. The process takes years and is unique:

• The tooth calcifies
• The crown begins to form
• The root develops
• The teeth emerge through the gums

Signs Of Eruption

It is likely that you will experience some pain and discomfort when your wisdom teeth start to erupt. If you do experience some pain, over the counter painkillers or using warm salt water to rinse your mouth should help.

Some people will have no wisdom teeth at all or they never fully erupt. Some may experience some problems, usually between the ages of 17 and 25, including lingering pain, gum swelling or pressure in back jaw.

Why Might I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removing?

• For preventative measures, so your mouth isn’t overcrowded, leading to plaque build up, decay or gum disease. Food and bacteria get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth causing build up of plaque.
• The tooth is unable to break through the gums and has become impacted, leading to increased pain, swelling and infection.

When To See A Dentist

If you are attending your dentist regularly, they will be checking for the progress of your wisdom teeth should they need removal. However, if your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain you should make an appointment, don’t wait until your next check up. Your dentist will check your teeth and likely take an x-ray to decide whether they need to be removed.

If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment with one of our dentists.