A person’s mouth goes through many changes even as an adult. In their early 20s many people experience the appearance of wisdom teeth Gordon. Wisdom teeth are third molars or extra molars which may not cause any issues if there is sufficient space in the mouth and can be beneficial for chewing.
Wisdom teeth can cause difficulties however, when there is not enough space for them or they are in the wrong position. Sometimes you may have an impacted wisdom tooth. This means that the tooth is trapped in the jaw or under the gum. An impacted wisdom tooth can be very painful and it can cause damage to the adjacent tooth which can have a detrimental impact on the rest of your teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection and can also cause abscesses in the mouth. Leaving them in place can be bad for your oral health. It is better to remove an impacted wisdom tooth to prevent further complications in the future.
Disadvantages of wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth can also be poorly positioned. If they do not align with your remaining teeth then food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped in those hard-to-reach areas and result in the formation of plaque and tartar. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean or floss and therefore more prone to decay and disease. They can sometimes cause infection, pain, swelling and stiffness in your jaw. They may have a detrimental impact on your bone health and, therefore, your dentist may recommend that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed to relieve you of your pain and discomfort and also to prevent complicated dental issues in the future. Often wisdom teeth are removed as part of a restorative dental treatment plan, for example, in patients suffering from gum disease or those who are undergoing teeth straightening or other orthodontic treatment.
Looking after your dental health
When your wisdom teeth first appear it is normal for them to be slightly painful. However, it is important that you visit your dentist and make sure that there is sufficient space for them and that they are not affecting the surrounding teeth. If so, your dentist will make an informed decision as to how to proceed. By maintaining a good dental hygiene routine and visiting the dentist every 6 months, you can enjoy good dental health and unimpeded mouth function. Avoiding the dentist is a major cause for tooth decay and gum disease and if you do not have your wisdom teeth assessed early on then not only might you have to experience pain and discomfort, but it could also mean that you require extensive restorative dental treatment later down the line. This can be expensive, it can mean spending many hours at the dental practice and if you are too late you may have caused irreversible damage to some of your other teeth. Visit your dentist today for a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and a smile assessment to help address any dental issues and make sure that you enjoy good oral health for life.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
