4 Signs You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause all sorts of problems, ranging from simple gum irritation to major health concerns. The most common problem that wisdom teeth cause, however, is the crowding of other teeth in the mouth due to their inability to fully erupt into the mouth. When it comes time to remove wisdom teeth, people always ask themselves When should I have my wisdom teeth removed? This guide will help you determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed based on four warning signs that they won’t be able to erupt properly in your mouth over time.

Bleeding Gums:

It’s a red flag if your gums bleed whenever you brush your teeth or floss, or bleed for no apparent reason. This can be an indication that you have a cavity or infection that needs to be taken care of right away. If you see small droplets of blood on your toothbrush or floss after brushing, that could also indicate gum disease. It’s not wise to ignore it! Don’t let things get out of hand. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Bad Breath:

One warning sign that your wisdom teeth may be impacted is bad breath. Tooth decay, a build-up of plaque, bacteria or gum disease can create an unpleasant odour in your mouth—which could also signal dental issues with your wisdom teeth. While it’s sometimes normal to have bad breath for a day or two if you have a cold or other illness, any changes in odour should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Plus, foul odours are often one of the first signs of tooth decay.

Face/Jaw Pain:

If you’re experiencing severe or unusual facial pain, there’s a chance your wisdom teeth are causing it. The discomfort is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and will often resolve on its own after a couple of days. If that doesn’t work, however, surgical removal may be necessary. This can typically be done under local anaesthesia and typically takes about an hour to complete. Afterward, patients can expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days but should have no long-term issues.

Headaches:

If you’re experiencing a dull headache on an almost daily basis, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are growing too close to your sinuses. This is because when wisdom teeth grow sideways or partially emerge from their sockets, they can press against nearby nerves and cause pain. In some cases, removing these troublesome teeth may help relieve symptoms altogether.

Wisdom teeth are the last of your adult teeth to erupt, and they can cause problems if they aren’t removed, especially if you’re in your mid-twenties or older. If you notice any of these symptoms of wisdom teeth that shouldn’t remain in your mouth, contact a dentist today. Need help finding a dentist? Check out the blog post How to Find a Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Removal for some useful tips.

Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/expert-answers/wisdom-teeth-removal/faq-20058558